Update: Aaaand less than 12 hours later we’re back with an update on the bottom of the post for ya. Smooth, right?
Hey there! Long time no see.
The break has been great. Admittedly a little weird, but really reinvigorating. So we’re immensely thankful not only for your support and kind comments, but also for helping put words to some of the things that we had been feeling for some time. And while the last month hasn’t been enough time to fill in all of the blanks about our future (heck, when are life’s blanks ever clearly filled in?) it has made one thing pretty obvious to us: after seven awesome years of sharing our home and our life, it’s time for our next adventure.
This blog has been a staple in our lives for 80+ months, tagging along for all but three months of our marriage and our entire existence as parents. So we thought it would be nearly impossible to click off that urge to over-share this past month (we expected our blogging spark to come back with a vengeance). But maybe it’s us getting older, the kids getting bigger, or a general shift in life priorities – but it actually felt just right. So this break has given us the clarity (and the guts, I guess) to move on… and hopefully move the needle on that life balance we’ve been talking about for so long.
We won’t go as far as to declare this the end of Young House Love or our blogging days. Who knows, maybe somewhere down the line (when the kids are both in school?) we’ll get that burning in our bellies again – perhaps here or in a completely different capacity. We don’t know what the future holds, but we know that the most amazing things have happened to us when we’ve stretched waaay out of our comfort zone – as much as that sounds like advice you’d find on an inspirational kitten poster.
We plan to keep the blog archives available for as long as we can, and will be freezing comments soon, but we won’t be completely dropping off the planet. Some completed product designs with Liberty Hardware and Shades of Light may pop up, and our second book will come out on September 22nd, 2015. Those folks have all been amazingly supportive of our decision, for which we’re incredibly thankful.
Speaking of which – “Thank you” doesn’t come close to expressing how grateful we are for getting to share our weird little world with you guys for so long. We have nothing but love and gratitude for this whole experience – and for you. (*This is probably where we should fade up on that Dirty Dancing song*)
But let’s not say “goodbye” let’s just say “see you on another time.”
Peace, love, and ceramic animals,
John & Sherry
PS: We did randomly snap a few fresh photos for the House Tour page over the break (some of the rooms were pretty outdated). Feel free to give the dining room’s blue trim the side eye for us (yes, it’s still there!).
Update: The same few questions kept popping up in the comments (we just can’t quit you). As for the “what are your new jobs” thing, we’ve mentioned in a few previous posts that we left the door open in our past professions (advertising/copywriting/consulting), which we can do as freelancers from home a lot of the time, while switching off on the stay-at-home parent thing. We know things like the book and products we design are driven by this blog, so we can’t live off those or anything. Didn’t mean to be mysterious! As for the Facebook/Instagram questions, we’d love to pop up there from time to time to say hi. And we hope our blog archives will be up for a good long time (we use them to reference things like paint colors, so we’d never want to lose them!).
We’re also really sorry if this feels abrupt. We’ve made a few public attempts to wind down and gain balance over the years (like when we moved to this house and after Teddy’s birth) but they’ve always been at odds with our “all in” personalities, so it wasn’t until taking this break (yet another attempt to recalibrate) that we realized we felt closer to our goal. We debated lots of alternatives – drastically fewer posts / shorter posts / no comments – but nothing felt like the version of Young House Love we were excited to carry on with. And we tried to keep today’s post light and happy (the last one felt so heavy) since this truly is a moment of extreme gratitude, despite it being a difficult decision to make.
Flawless and graceful exit, eh? Right. So here we go. Ack, we suck at this! We will miss you!!
Lucy says
So long and thanks for all the [ceramic animals] guys! Really *really* sad to say goodbye, I have so enjoyed seeing your adventures and you’ve given me a whole new perspective on my own interior décor tastes!
Sherry, you even made it into a holiday game of “Guess the celebrity” this year! Hopefully we’ll see you guys somewhere around the blogosphere next October to help celebrate book#2. Is it wrong I still randomly want you and Katie Bower as my over-seas BFFs? ;-)
Lots of love from the UK
Diana says
Good Luck S & J! Thanks for the inspiration! When I buy my first home, I want to embrace your sensibilities of making your home fun and you!!!! Sincere thanks and here’s to the adventure life surely holds for you!!
Tory C says
I will sincerely miss you guys! Good luck with all your new adventures! I still hope to catch you one day in the Woodbridge Ikea! Bon voyage! xoxo
Nikki says
Congrats, you guys. I believe change is good for the soul. You’ve been at this forever, and I’ve been reading for many a year now. Best wishes!
Molly Grace says
Good luck and lots of love to your family! I will be sad to not see the regular updates (maybe you guys could just check in once a month?) I have followed you since early days, thank you for letting us peep into your entertaining and well decorated lives :)
Olivia says
Aw, man. I was PUMPED to see you guys posted again. I completely understand wanting to focus on family ( i have twin two year olds!) but selfishly, I want you to stay. :( There has been a void in my day where I read young house love and I was missing it!! Will you still post on instagram or facebook? Proud of you for making the decision that was right for your family but man. I am sad for all us readers. YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING.
–Olivia
Brenda P (@justbrendap) says
I feel so sad for me, but so hopeful for you. I hate change, but some of the best things have happened when I was forced to do something different. How exciting to have new horizons ahead for you! I will note that if, at a later date, you post some updated pics of your dining room without blue trim, I will totally still celebrate for you! :) Wishing all the best for you five.
Jessica Wood says
Enjoy those little ones while they’re little, we all know it doesn’t last nearly long enough. I admire you two for taking the plunge and doing what feels right for you. I hope someday I’ll be able to have the strength to do the same. We’ll all miss you but I don’t think you ever doubted that :)
Danielle Purtle says
I will miss you, but I wish you all the best. If you are ever in Nashville holla at a girl, k?
Jade says
wow, this is really sad. all the best to you guys though, but you will really be missed.
Brandon says
Nothing but love and support for you guys in whatever comes next. Thank you for all the inspiration and joy you have brought us by allowing us to follow along with your adventures.
Evan says
Best of luck to you all.
Lindsey Q says
I got so excited when I saw you had posted. I literally had to click away from the screen and fangirl breathe for a moment before clicking back. When I did click back, I read the post–and almost cried. I’ve never had this experience with an online entity before. I even woke up thinking, “John and Sherry might be back today!” What the heck?! I don’t even “know” you guys. But I think like other people, we do feel like we know you. And that’s why this is so hard to take. It’s like a break up, ya’ll! Lol. We have no choice.
I don’t say that to make you feel guilty. I guess I say it so once again, you guys know how much of an impact you’ve made on all of us. And so that you know what you guys have is very, very rare.
I’m sad. Deeply sad. But I’ve got to suck it up and say best wishes. The Internet has lost a really awesome family. You will be greatly missed. I hope that whatever you find in the future brings you happiness and success (although I’ll selfishly say, I hope you guys know this will be hard to beat!).
Marci in Utah says
Thank you so much for everything and good luck! We’ll miss you.
Jessica says
So good to hear from you guys and know that things are going in a positive direction. Miss the blog posts but support your new adventures 100%! All the best!!!
Renee says
. You have helped me to re-ignite my creative side, given me my (sob) Virginia fix and entertained me and made me laugh. Very best wishes to you both and your beautiful kids. You are a wonderfully creative and resourceful couple and I hope you have nothing but “smooth sailing ” ahead. :) <3
Lynn says
All the best! Good for you.. deciding what’s best for your family and not feeling beholden to your followers!
casadeberry says
Will miss you guys, but family and life come first. I hope you will still be checking in from time to time, but I wish you the best, and look forward to the new book!!!
Beth says
I’m so sad that you’re leaving! I’ll definitely miss “visiting” (most) mornings. Please pop in and let us know how you’re doing from time to time. All the best!
Susan says
I can’t believe that I am saying this but I am shocked that you are not returning. Your blog was so popular because it was the best. This feels like the friendship that ended badly. It will be sad not to see your kids grow up.
Danielle C says
I am selfishly very sad. But, very happy for your family. I wish you the best of luck in the future and will wait anxiously for your next book. Good luck on your next adventure :) Thank you for sharing with us for so long.
Alexa says
Saddness for me but…Good luck in all your new adventures!
Catie says
I was so excited to see a post from y’all, but admittedly super bummed – although happy for you guys and your decision that’s best for you! I will say that during your hiatus I tried to find a “replacement” blog to fill the void of no John & Sherry….and let’s just say I couldn’t find one that hit the spot. Thank you for your years of witty and funny and super helpful DIY blogging. It will be greatly missed. Cheers to your next adventure!!!
Monica says
So sad, I feel like a part of me has died. Have absolutely loved watching your journey between the home updates and your growing family. Wishing you the best in all that you do.
Ashley says
You all will be very missed! I loved spending my mornings filled with stories of Clara, Burger and your growing family, but as a mom I absolutely understand! I wish you the best ion all of your next adventures! Can’t wait for the next book! Sending you lots of love and best wishes for the future from the mitten!
Emily says
Thank you for all you’ve shared with us. You’re an inspiration, both in the DIY/decorating realm and in following your gut and doing what’s in your heart. Good luck with wherever that takes you next.
Jessie says
you are going to be missed like a friend who moves out of town… A Whole lot! Good Luck in your new adventures and every so often can you pls. post a picture or say hello.. you guys are amazing and will be truly missed.
kirsten oliphant (@kikimojo) says
I’m glad you guys had some clarity, but am sad we won’t get to share your life via the blog. Which…is kinda weird. Lol. Blogging is a strange animal and has an unusual impact on our lives. Hope you guys find new adventures…and come back sometime. :)
StephanieG says
So sad to read this…I hope you check in from time to time with updates on the house, but more importantly your family…Thank you for sharing what you have over the years!! I rarely comment, but I’ve enjoyed the DIY honesty, and will truly miss that. There’s no other blog out there like YHL so, even after this month’s hiatus, I feel like I’ll be going through some withdrawals.
As a mom and a wife, I commend you for this move. Family is the MOST important, and they should always come first. You have a beautiful family and a beautiful home.
Much love to you guys and much luck on your future endeavors!!
Andrea says
Oh guys. I’m so happy and so sad at the same time. I sincerely wish for all the best for you on your journey. THANK YOU for this blog and all the hard work you put into it. MWAH!!!
Crystal says
Aww, this is sad. I have loved your blog for a long time and found real inspiration. But at some point we all need a change. Best of luck.
Stefanie says
I had actually hoped that this would be your decision. That you would take the time to focus on your family since this time is so short and goes oh so fast. I had also hoped though that you would continue to update the blog when the urge struck you (weekly? monthly? whenever you bought a new ceramic animal?) and check in from time to time. I will admit that I am oh so sad to see you guys go but oh so proud of all that you’ve accomplished. This is a sad day in the blog world for sure as your family, home, updates and humor will be missed. Enjoy this time in your lives and I hope it is everything you guys hope for and more.
PS. If I see you guys in Hobby Lobby or Homegoods I’ll resist the urge to stare but I make no promises I won’t make it awkward. I’ll apologize now.
I love you guys and all that you’ve done. <3
Allison says
heart = broken. I hope we get to see you again!
Monique says
Noooooo!!!
Arika says
This post just broke my heart. Only because I love you guys and your blog so immensely. I hope you find your way back here some day.
Brittney S says
I am so sad! This really is like losing a friend. I wish you guys nothing but the best and I absolutely love this family photo!
Angela says
I feel like I’m losing a best friend. Wishing you all the best to you and the little people. : )
cyndy@thecreativityexchange says
Thank you for all you have shared over the years! Blogging has it’s challenges and ups and downs (I have been blogging for 5 years) and when the joy of sharing is gone (in this way), you are smart to step away and see where you heart takes you. You never know, you may come back around and that’s the great thing about this experience. Wishing you all the best on your next adventure and thank you again for sharing and inspiring us all of these years!
Pamela says
Best wishes to you all with your new adventures! Thanks for keeping the archives up for us! Thanks for being so motivational and down to earth, you guys ROCK!
Julia says
Best of luck to you both and your little family. I feel like there’s been a big shift among me and my friends lately (all in our early thirties) to take a step back and take our lives offline. I quit facebook recently and I don’t miss it one bit. It feels great to live life in the moment and not for the status update or the carefully crafted picture. I can only imagine the sense of relief you guys are feeling on this much larger scale.
I found your blog shortly before my husband and I started looking for our first home. You inspired us to look at the potential in a home. We landed on an outdated 70s ranch that I love more than anything in the whole world. I know I’m not alone when I say that your influence has changed lots of lives in a lot of big ways. Thank you for sharing it all with us!
Beth says
How very sad indeed. You have become a part of all of our lives, and will surely be missed. :( Thank you for all the good advice, laughs, and sharing your lives with us over the past years. This will only make your next book THAT much more exciting to look forward to. All the best, guys!
Sarah says
I have found myself thinking, “I wonder what John, Sherry and the kiddos are up too” this past month. Is it weird that I will miss watching Clara and Teddy grow up or seeing one of my favorite couples who in my head are my real life friends although our friendship is over a computer screen? But new adventures are well worth it as well. Can we become pen pals so we can keep in touch? Miss you already….
Kate says
Congrats to you for being brave enough to try another adventure. I will miss this blog but I’m happy for all the doors it has opened for you and the help and inspiration it’s provided for many others. I just had my second child, too, so I understand re-evaluating your priorities. That’s what life is all about! Best of luck.
Anessa says
I honestly have tears in my eyes. For a second it was with excitement when I saw a post and now with sadness. I get it I do but really I am sad. I will miss you, your home and your family. I am really sad to think that I won’t be able to see how all the updates in this house turn out. The kitchen, the bunk room, To see what the kids are going to be for Halloween. How about maybe some occasional instagram updates or something? Well good luck with your next adventure you are already missed.
Amanda says
Thank you so much for your blog and for inspiring me to make our home one that is truly ‘us’ and a joy to live in and look at. You have been so inspirational to me over the years. I will miss my daily check in to see your most recent updates and projects but I’m so over-the-moon happy for you and wish you all the best in your new adventure. If you have the chance to pop in later and update us, we will be so excited to hear how things are going for you all. Many many best wishes for you and your sweet family.
Julie says
I wish all of you the best on your new adventures. Take care, and enjoy this time in your life – it does go so fast!
Angie says
I’m soooo glad you’re not completely closing the door on this blog baby of yours! You guys are by far my favorite over-sharers on the internet.
I’m looking forward to hearing from you guys every now and then and I’ll just cross my fingers that your blogging spark flares up again somewhere in the near to mid future, but in a way that better suits your work-life-balance. Selfish? Yep, I totally admit it ;P
Lindsay says
I can’t even describe how sad I am. I JUST bought my first house and was SO EXCITED for you guys to help me decorate and renovate it. Please don’t take down the archives! What would I even do without you? I feel like a good friend has just told me that they’re moving away, and it’s 1980 so there’s no internet, and we have to rely on snail mail for the rest of our lives, and also there’s probably no electricity because that’s how awful this parallel universe is.
Carrie says
I was going to say at some point (among the 5000+ comments) that you never really did what you said you wanted to do in the “Oreo Post” …..so here we are. Sigh. I was hoping you were going to say, “The break was great! But we missed it! So compromise! A post a week!” (Consider it?!?!? PLEASE?!?!)
But seriously, PLEASE leave the archives open as long as possible. I love looking back at your projects, crafts, tips and transformations.
And finally, maybe you could have a “secret” Instagram feed for real life friends and keep open the other one and throw us a bone now and then? I don’t think it’s weird or out of line for a stranger to ask to see pictures of your kids, right? cue awkward Micheal Scott line that makes it even weirder…..
Thanks for the 7 years.
Carrie says
Here it is….
“Yes. It is true. I, Michael Scott, am signing up with an online dating service. I need a username, and I have a great one. [types] ‘Little Kid Lover’. That way people will know exactly where my priorities are at.”
Crystal says
So excited for you! Thanks for all the inspiration and excitement for budget decorating and DIY!
Keep on keeping on! Love ya!