Whether Chip and Joanna Gaines quit Fixer Upper for their family or whether they quit over a horrible contract, Fixer Upper has come to an end.
Joanna is opening up on her blog and bidding the series a bittersweet farewell.
But she’s not saying goodbye to fans — because they can still keep up with the Gainses.
Writing on her blog, Joanna Gaines said farewell to the show that catapulted her family into the spotlight.
“Tonight marks the final episode of Fixer Upper — the series finale.”
That episode aired on Tuesday night.
“This season of life has been rewarding, challenging, unbelievably fast and furious and nearly everything in between.”
We have to admire that season of life line.
“Back in September when Chip and I posted the blog announcing that this season would be our last, it still seemed so far away.”
It’s been a half a year since the Gaineses announced that Fixer Upper would end after season 5.
“April felt like it was forever away, but somehow it snuck up on us.”
Time these days seems to pass at such a rapid pace, even if it still seems like food takes forever to arrive when you order it.
“Time is funny like that, the days sometimes seem long, but the weeks, months and even years fly past us when we least expect it.”
“I really loved this final Fixer Upper season because there was such a variety of styles and projects that really kept us on our toes.”
Even professionals like to be challenged sometimes.
“We did everything from an old barn out in the country to a downtown loft apartment.”
Those are about as different as it gets.
“We also got to do some pretty unique projects like my garden house, a new build for clients, our restaurant, and an ADA compliant house for two amazing boys and their family that we met through the Tim Tebow Foundation.”
They recently attended a Tim Tebow Foundation event.
“Oh, and of course tonight’s episode, where we do a renovation for a Rockstar!”
“We are grateful to all the families who joined in on this journey with us over the past five years — what an honor to be a part of their stories.”
Joanna thanks her fans … but also reminds them that the end of Fixer Upper doesn’t mean that she and Chip are just going to evaporate.
“I do want to take some time to update you on a bunch of things that are going on in our neck of the woods now that filming is over. We are so thrilled that our restaurant, Magnolia Table is finally up and running.”
Prepare to get hungry, folks.
“The whole project was a huge undertaking, and we are so happy that it is officially open! If you come visit the restaurant, some of Chip’s favorites are the Farm Eggs Benedict, tater tots, the bacon and eggs appetizer, and of course Chip’s Ham Sandwich.”
Did that make you a little more eager for your next meal? Joanna says that it had the same effect on her.
“I am currently craving the pancakes, chicken salad sandwich, lavender latte and the Gaines Bros Burger with the jalapeno drip jam. My stomach is growling as I type this!”
And speaking of food …
“We also finished my cookbook, Magnolia Table, which will be out April 24th. It’s a collection of recipes from my kitchen, our restaurant, and some of my favorites from family and friends.”
You know that she was going to plug her book projects, folks.
“Cooking is so special to me because time spent around the table with family and friends is such a gift. My hope is that this book inspires you in the kitchen and that you’ll find recipes that become tried and true favorites for your own family!”
But food isn’t her primary interest, of course.
“My passion is to help people in their own homes — you don’t have to be a designer to get it right. It’s not about rules and special formulas. I believe it starts by simply going with your gut and telling your story.”
And remember — Chip and Joanna didn’t start home design when Fixer Upper began.
“Many of you may know that we were doing construction and design years before the show came online.”
Yep. They have their own company.
“Our company Magnolia Design and Construction has been fixing up homes for over 15 years now and we don’t plan on stopping any time soon!”
If you want to see some of those, just follow her blog.
“We have some big projects in the works and we are currently renovating a few flip houses and building about 20 new homes here in town. I will be posting some pictures soon — I can’t wait for you to see all of these new designs.”
And she has some adorable news about the Gaines household.
“And now for a quick update on the home front. Chip continues to increase our pet population. He recently surprised us all with a new kitten AND a new puppy. Oh, sweet Chip…”
“For us, the end of this final season marks the beginning of a new one.”
She is of course referring to her pregnancy.
“If you would have told me that I’d end this season of the show pregnant with our fifth baby, I would’ve laughed.”
“Like the entire Fixer Upper opportunity as a whole, life has a way of surprising us.”
But she’s adapted, and has flaunted her baby bump in a little black dress.
“With our little ones getting bigger, we had this gut feeling that it was time to step back and focus on them and our businesses here in Waco, Texas.”
And she credits providence with this happy coincidence.
“And although that’s why we thought we decided to step away from the show, we now realize with this little one on the way that there was a bigger plan in place for us all along.”
“Season Five’s Behind the Design episodes will start airing next Tuesday, which will give you an in-depth look into the process and also some rooms you didn’t get to see in the original reveal.”
So, you see, Fixer Upper is ending but the Gainses really aren’t going away just yet.
“Today is really bittersweet for us. Fixer Upper is the thing that introduced our family to yours, and every Tuesday night for the past five years, we have felt you rooting us on from the other side of the screen.”
It’s so touching how much she and Chip admire their fans.
“We’ve said it many times, but it’s worth saying again — thank you to everyone who has walked beside us on this journey.”
And she thanks both old fans and the new ones.
“Whether you watched every single show since season one or you are just now tuning in, you all have been a part of this and Chip and I will always be grateful for your support.”
