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!!
ashley @ sunnysideshlee.com says
and not to berate the topic buuuuttt like Phoebe and Monica say :
http://youtu.be/lkIBUZTh2oc
Sarah says
Take it as a compliment that your readers refuse to let you go! I thought your message was the perfect way to close the blog. I wish you guys lots of joy in your new adventures.
Lesley A. says
Wishing you guys only the best and most prosperous happy future! ;) Can’t wait for the book and hearing about your new projects and adventures. XXOO
Kristin says
Bye youngsters! Good luck with your lives and family! I totally will miss you guys! Can’t wait for the new book though, at least I will get my YHL inspiration from that! Wish it wasn’t the end ( as others have said before me) just had to say it too! And.. Cue for the cheesey cliché “all good things come to an end”!
Becky says
It’s been such a pleasure to ‘spend time’ with you over the years, and watch your family grow. Best wishes for your new adventures, definitely will look forward to seeing you pop in on Facebook and Instagram!
Rachel says
I have never left a comment, just thoroughly enjoyed everything that you have shared over the years and felt the need to simply say… thank you. My favorite place on the net. Best wishes to your family!
Pamela says
I came across your blog long ago as I was contemplating an IKEA sofa, and lo and behold found the reference to the exact one I ended up purchasing on your blog and in a ranch house as well! What can I say, I was hooked and have been following the blog since. :) So sad to see you “retire”, but so happy for your new direction and chapter in life. God bless!
Lisa in Seattle says
Goodbye, dear ones. Thank you for sharing so much of your home and family with us over the years. Best of luck with everything you do.
Sara says
So sad but, I had a gut feeling that this would be the direction you would go. I am thankful for you letting us in and sharing your life with us for so long. In life there are times when the winds change to a different direction and you need to listen and embrace it. I wish you nothing but, love, health and happiness!
Lindsay L says
I don’t know what to say that hasn’t already been said – I feel shocked, confused, broken up with but also so happy for you to be going in the direction that you love! I know this is silly but it would mean a lot if you continued on with your public instagram – I don’t feel that you owe us anything, I would just be honored to still get to see what you’re up to and how you’re doing as a “friend”. We’ll miss you and best wishes!!!
Kelly K says
I have so enjoyed following you all on your adventure. Best wishes to you and your beautiful family!
Andrea says
Thanks for the humor, perspective, and great ideas, folks. Warmest wishes and big hugs. Hope to see you pop up from time to time!
Becky says
You’ve been a bright spot in the blog world with posts full of depth (lots of info) with a little fun and playfulness thrown in. I will miss this place but I’m gonna keep you in my favorites list and check back here now and then. Best wishes for whatever you do and wherever life takes you in the future. I’ll be praying for you.
Mel says
I have been reading you guys for forever (back in the old name, first house days) and this feels suprisingly more sad than I thought it would. I was hoping you would come back stronger, not go away. I have so many fond memories of pouring over your blog when we got our first house. I’ve tried so many of your tips over the years and had fun with them. Some were hits some were misses, but they were always fun. I hope you guys have a great next chapter and if you end up coming back some day, count me in as a continued reader. All the best, truly. xo, M
Mel says
Ah! I have to add one more thing. You guys inspired me to take monthyly onesie photos of my baby; I had never heard of the idea until you guys (yes, I know it’s a HUGE thing to do now). For that one piece of inspiration alone, THANK YOU. Those pictures of my growing baby are priceless and treasured. <3
Cindy says
Best of luck, Young House Love! And best of luck to the blogosphere as we try to fill the space you will leave. You have always excelled at everything you have done, and I’m sure this next chapter will be no different.
Sarah says
It would be great if today y’all busted in with a Classic John and Sherry Just Kidding music video! I’m dancing in my chair just thinking about it!
Sarah says
Thank you so much for writing for us for so long. This blog was invaluable to me when we bought our first house last year, and I still plan to peruse the archives whenever I have a question or need inspiration. I loved the first book, and I plan to buy the next one too. It’s been really fun to get to know you both, and I wish you the best of luck moving forward.
Natasha says
I was prepared for changes but not this. What a range of emotions. I’ve been looking forward to a blog post for the last month so when I saw there was an update I went from being so happy to feeling so incredibly sad. You’ve heard it hundreds of times already but I feel like I’m losing close friends. It actually feels worse because it’s a complete cut off. It’s not like my friends are moving away and we’re probably going to grow apart and see each other less and less, it’s a straight-up goodbye. I do know you’ve said you aren’t completely dropping off the planet and it’s not goodbye but it just feels that way.
I’ve found myself going through all the things in my head that we’ve been a part of that we won’t get to see any more. And all the plans you’ve shared with us that we won’t get to see the end result. It’s a sad feeling. It’s like my favorite TV show has been abruptly cancelled but you are actually real people who let us into your lives.
I will look forward to your next book and hopefully(!!!) a little update here and there on Instagram :)
I realize this all sounds crazy since we’re strangers to you and it’s your life and you certainly don’t owe us anything. It’s just that you’ve shared your world with us for so long that this just feels so sad. I will miss you guys so much!! I honestly wish nothing but the best for your whole family and I hope you are happy in your decision.
Nastasia says
So long and thanks for so many fun ideas, stories and inspiration! I wish you much happiness in your next adventure!
brooke @ claremont road says
Wishing you all the very best! Eight years is a long time to stay at ANY job. Thank you for all the inspiration, and best wishes to you and your beautiful family as you figure out your next big adventure.
Vanessa B. says
I knew you were going but it still sucks to hear it. And I’m in total denial. Read the post yesterday and came back today to check…just in case. Ugh. I’m trying to be super happy for you guys but my inner brat is in a tizzy! Throwing a straight up tantrum, actually.
Tara says
I debated leaving a comment because there are so many! “This Young House” was the first blog I started reading…it’s been so much fun following your DIY adventures and learning from all of your tips. You will truly be missed. Best of luck to you on your next adventure!
An appreciative reader says
I commented yesterday to thank you for sharing these last 80+ months with us.
I wanted to add that while I am selfishly disappointed that YHL updates won’t remain a part of my life in some greater capacity, I am thrilled for you all that you’re taking the time and opportunity to step back, reevaluate, and seek and set new paths for yourselves.
I would have been content with updates once a week, bi-weekly, or monthly or whatever quirky, goofy pattern you chose to post, but it’s not about me and my needs. It’s about you all and yours.
Kudos to you for being true to you! It takes an amazing amount of courage to step away from here where you are loved, appreciated, and revered by many.
May your house continue to evolve into the home you envision living in for decades to come.
{May that blue trim in the dining room be vanquished sooner than later ;)}
You will be missed and thought of fondly!
God bless you and yours.
Thank you once again,
Amy F.
An appreciative reader says
Oh and I cannot get over Teddy’s eyes!
I could spend hours staring into those gorgeous eyes. Hoping you are getting to while away some time doing just that.
Dang it, I can’t quit you either!
Amy F.
Kellee says
I just wanted to offer a little encouragement. I feel like my family is in a similar spot as you. We just added our second kid to the family in February, quit our jobs in June after seven years, and moved to another state and started new.It has been a little difficult to find our “new normal” but we are getting there. I actually ran into someone yesterday from our old city and I realized how great this change has been for us and while sometimes I think I miss our old life – I really enjoy our new life. I hope you guys feel that way too.
I will miss your blog. You guys have inspired me to do so much. Thanks Petersiks and good luck. I hope you enjoy your new life!
christine says
CONGRATS on creating such a wonderful blog and CHEERS to your future! I’ve been a reader since the beginning. A lot has happened in my life the last several years and I have lots of gratitude to you both for bringing such a positive, daily read into my life. GOOD LUCK with your next adventure.
Tamra Staiger says
I have read this blog from the beginning–and loved every moment–although I don’t think i’ve ever left a comment. Like a crazy stalker, I feel like you are family. Seriously my favorite blog of all time–in fact one of only three I still check regularly. I have to confess–there is a huge lump in my throat and tears threatening to come as I write this. You will be incredibly missed. I wish so badly I could continue watching your family grow and see the changes you make to this new house–But, I wish you the very very best.
Beth W says
Best of luck to you! You will be missed, but you have to make the decision that is best for your family! Thank you for all that you’ve shared over the years.
Barbara says
Hi Sherry and John,
Thank you for all these years of interesting, fun (the april Fools Day rap ;) ), and well-written articles. Your posts were so often a pick-me up that was welcome at 4pm European time :) I can’t count the number of times I have recommended your site or talked about it insisting each time on the high standards you guys placed on yourself (the deck in house 2 comes to mind). Your self-deprecating wit and the genuine care and attention you put into this blog has been such a treat to experience. I’m sorry that you suffered from the internet’s capacity to draw out the ugliest and meanest in human nature – nobody deserves that either when their creative production in which they have invested time and effort or worse their personal choices are the objects of the nastiness. And, even though,for myself, I’m sorry that you felt the spark was gone and that you’ve decided to get off the blogworld-social-media merry-go-round, I admire your courage in holding out for your dream lifestyle and your guts for knowing that its ok to walk away from something thats going well to reach for something better. I wish you both and your family all the happiness, health and success possible. Thank you both.
Barbara
Beyondworklife says
Congratulations! Takes courage. The Blog will be missed though.. can’t wait to see what you do next
Meada Spencer says
You both have effortlessly guided both readers and fellow bloggers into this huge blog DIY universe and I applaud you for doing what you feel is best for your family. For me it was never so much the projects that kept me tuned in (although they were great :) it was your writing styles and ways of engaging your readers that kept me coming back for more. I hope in your new adventure that the gift of your writing abilities is something we all can look forward to enjoying. God Bless.
Aoife says
I was so excited to see a post! I’ve been checking back every now and then to see if you were back. I must admit I’m disappointed by not surprised. I had felt all along it was wishful thinking on my part that you would be back with a bang. This blog has been a great source of inspiration and entertainment for me. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed following along for the past 4 years. Thank you for sharing. I’m very glad for you both and for your family that you have had the space you needed to gain clarity on which direction you want to move in. All good things must come to an end at some point. Wishing you the very best of luck in your new adventures and your next chapter. You will be missed.
Marelis says
I’ve been stalking your page almost daily waiting for your return! LOL. It’s completely understandable and the most important thing is finding balance and being happy with your life….whether that includes blogging or not. You have a beautiful family to enjoy. you will be greatly missed and I’m sure you will have many fans including myself waiting for your return (whenever that time comes). LOVE YOU GUYS! Wishing you the best and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
mahotarose says
I am impressed with your wonderful ability to change direction and place your family and sanity 1st. Good luck and God Bless you all
reyanna says
You guys are so wonderful! I’ve been here since Clara’s Nursery Reveal (a friend showed it to me, and I’ve been hooked every since!), and I’ve so enjoyed watching your family (and projects!) grow. :) I hope you’ll still update Young House Life though with photos of your family and maybe just neat photos of your current projects. :-) Nothing big and fancy, just how it’s coming along (and maybe a product list? LOL. ;-) ). I REALLY hope you keep up the archives for quite a while because I just love it so much and access often. :-) Hey, if you need help with money for hosting those, maybe everyone can chip in $1 a month. LOL. It would be so worth it for me! :-D
Thank you for all the inspiration! I have so enjoyed it… even though I haven’t been able to read as much since having my two kids. ;-) Love you guys so much!!!! :-D
Lindsay says
I guess I’m in shock, I had to go back and read your September 9th post. I had missed it I guess just before I went away on vacation…
I can understand how you’re feeling and your decisions, but I’m still in shock I guess. Wishing you guys and your lovely little family all the very best in your future endeavour. Enjoy every second and I know just how grateful for the opportunity you’ve had. It’s unfortunate, but c’est la vie. Sometimes we have to move on and it’s for the best….
Take care and look forward to any updates in the future. :)
Lindsay
Tracy says
Wishing you all a life filled with love, laughter and many great adventures! Miss you big time xxx
Kimberly says
I completely respect that you are doing the right thing for your family, but know that we will also not lose any respect if you change your minds! Honestly, life won’t be the same without y’all. You have been pretty influential in my day to day life. Good luck to you, and thanks from the bottom of my heart for having been the best darn blog on the internet :).
Joyce Williams says
Love your family!!
Christina // The Murrayed Life says
I haven’t been checking in at all for the last 6 months due to a new baby and job and just happened to see this. Tears in my eyes!! You will be SO missed! Thank you for all you’ve given the blogging/internet/decorating community for so long. I feel like this whole juggling two kids life balance thing is hard, so I’m so happy for you that you’re able to go with your guts and do what feels right. Good luck on all your next adventures!! <3
Whole Health Dork says
I will definitely miss you (I’ve been following since your first house!), but am happy you’ve made a decision towards being as happy as you all can be. That is the most important thing! Can’t wait to see (maybe?) what the future brings for you. All the best!
Michelle says
Alrighty then – let me just say a great big Thank You for sharing your ideas, home, kids, humour, smiles, etc. – and I look forward to purchasing your next book! I think I knew that this would come to an end once baby #2 arrived – and I’m so glad it did! You confirmed for me that family is where it is at for you and the work balance scale has to tip in favour of your relationships with each other and your children. Enjoy your kids to the fullest. I know I sound like my Grandmother but truly, ‘blink and you miss it’ – your kids are growing before your very eyes so enjoy each moment as it speeds past! I’m thankful that you are refocusing on the ones you’re with rather than all of us unknown-although-supportive-and-interested people floating in the internet world! Thanks again and Have A Great Life! – Michelle
dianaholod says
I have always thought you would be around forever :) Using your inspiration a lot and showing it to ma family and clients – thank you for that. I onli commented once or twice as I remember, but I have one thing to thank you for – I remember I had real trouble when I was switching my daughter from nappy to potty. She is roughly the same age as clara and I remember reading your description of the process. As it was something that worked for you I decided to use the strategy on our potty training and it worked wonders. Thanks for that ;) And all the best with your new adventure.
Kylie says
Thank you for sharing your lives and home with us through the years. You will be missed!! I wish you the best in this next adventure!
Rosanna says
This sucks (for me). I’ve been following you from almost the very beginning and loved watching your décor come to life. With that said I can only imagine how uneasy it is being so public. I hope your family the best and still look forward to next October. : )
Boney says
Hi guys just wanted to say I’ve enjoyed reading your blog over the last three years and looked forward to each new post (and it’s inspired me to start my own blog – http://thelifeofboney.blogspot.co.uk/ !) So thank you for being such an enjoyable read and good luck for the future!
Joy says
Congratulations, Good Luck. The Theme Song Going Through My Head While I Read This Is The Titanic “My Heart Will Go On.” It’s Kind Of Funny, But I’ve Felt Like We Were Friends (And I Live On The Opposite Side Of The Country And You Don’t Know My Name :-D ), But It Feels Like I’m Losing A Friend. Best Wishes.
Katie Rose says
Not what I expected at all :(
I thought you’d be back for sure with tons of posts of what you did the last month and a lot of motivation to keep on chugging. Of course I wish you all the best but I still don’t understand how you can walk away from this. I feel like I am starting the grieving process all over again. I’ll miss you being a part of my daily routine.
DP says
Please update when you fix up the dining room, kitchen and master bathroom. I have almost the same house plan and I was dying to see what you’ve done. Love the new updates. I’ll miss your prose. Your decorating is great, but you all are great writers too.
Kelly says
Oh man. Such mixed emotions. I’m really happy for you, and inspired by the way you embrace new adventures in life. I’m also sad that you won’t be in my life anymore, at least not in the same way. It’s like a friend who lived next door is moving to another country. Sure, we might get the occasional update, but it’s not the same. Seriously, I’m on the verge of tears. You two are so amazing. I wish you all the best, and I’m sure you will make great things happen. Yeah, I might need to go in the bathroom and cry for a minute. Isn’t that weird?! Goodbye, Sherry, John, Clara and Teddy. I’ll miss you all.
Sally says
Thank you for sharing your lives and all of your hard work. It has been a pleasure reading your blog.