This post was 3,000 words long. They all felt overly complicated and heavy and weird. I clicked delete. Then I just typed what we’re really feeling, complete with things we’ve never said out loud and even a few things we’ve never fully admitted to ourselves before.
The truth is that we love you guys. Like for real. Even for the tough love. We know you say it because you care (or hopefully you did at some point), and we want you to know we care right back. We want to do a good job. We want to do this with joy and excitement. We want to inspire you. We know this is an incredible way to have made a living and we are full of gratitude for the experience to have shared the last seven years of our lives with you guys online.
We would NEVER be here without you, and not a day goes by that we don’t know that. It’s why we asked for your feedback last week and read every last comment. We appreciate the honesty and the passion you guys have on the topic of making this blog great. And we agree with a lot of what was being said. We have been feeling off for a while – like we have lost our rhythm and we’re somehow missing the mark for ourselves and for you guys. We too miss the good old days when we did this for the love and were full of such obvious joy and spontaneity. This felt like a place we all hung out and it just doesn’t have that vibe anymore.
Over the years many amazing opportunities popped up for us. Things we never dreamed of doing in a million years, and things we’re incredibly grateful to have had the chance to experience. A book deal, curating paint picks with Benjamin Moore, a line sold at Target, a showhouse, etc. But in hindsight those things also made this feel a lot more like a business than a personal blog to many of you, and to us as well. We have actually ramped those down behind the scenes in an attempt to get back to our roots (we no longer do the BM color collection, the second book is mostly written, our products at Target have completed their run, and we finished the showhouse) but we never really made a big announcement about that – so it’s completely understandable that some of you might think we’ve moved on to those greener pastures and left the blog in the dust, so to speak. The reality is that our site propels the success of any outside project like a product or book, so we could never turn our backs on the blog and expect those items to continue to sell as well.
Not only have we felt this shift from “John and Sherry” to “Young House Love: The Brand”, but the blogosphere as a whole has become increasingly sponsored/corporate lately. We can see from the outside prospective as a reader, or even a fellow blogger, that it’s hard to read a blog post without suspecting some ulterior motive or money-making system behind it. Last week a few of you mentioned that we might need to keep giveaways around because they pay us well, which surprised us since they’re never something we accept payment for (we like to pass free things along to you as a thank you for reading).
Along with the whole business/brand thing that’s going on, and the side gigs that felt like they muddied the water for some of you, there are certainly other things we wish we had handled differently in hindsight. Just to name a few, there’s: being too defensive, over-explaining, letting things get in our heads and change our lighthearted approach, and the internal struggle between being transparent and oversharing personal details like a vacant new house without an alarm system (looking back we wish we’d handled our third house announcement differently). We know many of you felt insulted that we didn’t share more freely about that house, and we truly apologize.
Anyway, back to that whole “we’re sexy stumbling and you know it” thing. It’s endlessly frustrating to do a job that you love poorly, especially when it’s a blog baby that you’ve birthed yourself and nurtured for seven years. And especially when it’s such an amazing job that we once felt so inspired and joyful to wake up and do each day. What’s wrong with us? We know this is a dream job. We acknowledge it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. We know most people who have built something like this would be more inspired than ever. It’s not that we lost the gratitude, I think it’s that we feel like we’ve fallen out of our groove. We feel like we’re letting you guys down repeatedly. It got to the point that every time we pressed “publish” we braced ourselves.
So in an attempt to stop stumbling around and feeling like we just can’t get it back, we’re taking a break. We don’t know exactly how long we’ll be stepping away, but our guess would be at least a month. We will certainly be exploring other options for supporting our family (something we mentioned we were considering back in April). We had that fiery blog-spark back when we had day jobs and did this as a hobby, so we think it could be a good change. We’ll also be taking a break on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, but the blog will stay public so you guys can access the archives whenever you’d like.
Our internal struggle and the state of this blog is entirely of our making, and we completely own that. Please don’t get mad at anyone for being honest with their feedback last week or accuse them of sending us packing. We have been struggling with that “something is off” feeling for a while now, and after way too much denial and “we’ll turn it around” pep talks, we finally asked for your feedback because we truly wanted to hear what you were thinking. It was cathartic and helpful for us. It has allowed us to very clearly see that if we have any respect for this blog and our love of it, and for you guys and what you’d like to see, we need to take a break if we ever want any hope of getting back to that fun/real/spontaneous place it used to be when this was something we did for the love instead of the high stakes game of supporting a family.
In summary: we love you, we thank you, and we hope you understand.
kimi says
I’m truly so very sad to see this happen!! But I do understand!! I hope your future leads you guys back to us readers on this blog!!;) Honestly whatever life brings you guys I wish you nothing but joy, health , and happiness!;) Good luck to your sweet, and amazing family!!! You guys really have ROCKED this blog and hopefully one day you will be back ROCKING it again!!;) Enjoy your family!! Thank you for all your post, all your honesty, and all the laughs!! You are are truly WONDERFUL!!!
Trish says
The Internet isn’t the same without the Petersiks. Hope you come back sooooooooon.
Erin says
I can’t believe it has only been 10 days since I read this the first time. I have read your blot since the very beginning, and I still can’t believe this happened :( I feel like I know you guys, and I dreamed of making it to Dallas to meet you on your book tour. I do hope that you guys come back, I loved reading your blog. But more than anything I hope you guys do what is best for you and your family. I can’t imagine doing everything you did and continuing after having Teddy!
Jac says
Heavy heart. You guys had me at hello…literally. I sent an email way before Clara was born about decorating a house when you’re married to a vampire (we can’t have mirrors around) and Lo and behold you answered the next day. I stayed through three houses and two babies, cried with you and laughed with you both. A lot. Oh to join in on your Katie B thrift shopping, now that would be an awesome giveaway!!!!
But what hit me recently was your description of your average work day, which I think included getting up at 5 or 6 for a run, and staying up til midnight ish updating posts in bed. I was worried for you both, and although I missed your posts I was relieved you were stepping back a little.
Recently I had a car accident due to over-tiredness. My baby had been sick & teething, i had probably 3 hours sleep the night before, then drove an hour to a birthday lunch. I didn’t want to let my sister down…but ended up stressing her out more. You know what- she would have understood if i didnt make it, she loves me. The pressure to please was all in my head. I guess what I’m trying to say is, it’s okay to say you’re tired, it’s okay to step back, and it’s okay to just sleep a little more while cuddling your baby, while he’s still a baby. All of this is fine, because we love you too.
So go be happy Petersiks. Stay off the blogs (and the road) when you’re burnt out, and reduce the pressure you are putting on yourselves. We’ll be here if you decide to come back, but if not then so long, and thanks for all the fish. errr…tips. Hugs & love, Jac & baby Mina & the vampire.
Erin says
Love this post!
Why can’t you have mirrors in your house??
Blair R says
Maan! I really going to miss blogiversary this month! Even though you might not be celebrating it on the blog, take yourselves out and celebrate your amazingness; because it’s EPIC. :D
Laurie says
You all are amazing. Taking care of yourselves and your family comes first (this is coming from a tv reporter) “The job” and the public always want more demands more, needs more and holds you to a higher standard than they hold themselves. Your first responsibility is to the health and welfare of your children and yourselves. From what I am seeing in the comments you have many grateful fans. You are truly talented and you don’t own anyone anything. You DIY your future just the way you want it. Young House Love think of how many people you have helped make a house a home. Turn your porch light off and take care of yourselves. We’ll be here when it comes back on.
Laurie says
*owe
Michelle says
I love you guys, and I love the outpouring of support for you in the comments. I am just reading the announcement now because I have not been here to catch up in a while. That’s because I’m living my awesome life and traveling and doing other things than being online. So I was almost relieved that I didn’t have much to catch up on… But of course a bit bummed too. Whatever you decide, it will be fine. I wish you the best of luck and some happy times! xoxo
Natacha says
Well I seem to be late at posting a comment…or even reading this, but that is why I fully understand your decision (even if I am a little sad). I just went back to work after maternity leave and between two kids and working my life is CRAZY! I have had to cut back on a lot at work and in terms of leisure activities (ie reading blogs) to try to maintain a healthy balance. If you are able to take a step back from this and focus on your family all the power to you. Good luck, hopefully you are not gone from the blog world forever, you definitely are great at it.
Amy says
So sad to hear. I’ve just recently started following your blog several months ago and absolutely love it! I wish I had been following you all along. I hope the break will bring you back. This will give me time to go through the archives.:) This will be fun. I look forward to following and learning from your blog. You guys really inspire me.
P.S. I’m getting ready to attempt making curtains.
Lindsay says
Has it been a month yet!?!?!?!?!
TinaG says
Just checking in to tell you a funny story that happened to me yesterday. My hubby and I were working on changing out the doorknob in my son’s room who recently graduated from college and got his first big boy job (whew!). Hubby had removed the old doorknob, then proceeded to paint the door. Welll….he closed the door to paint the back of it, and yep, we were locked in the room with no tools of any kind. After trying to get the hinges off by using the keys he had in his pocket for what seemed like an hour, I was getting pretty frustrated! I said, “John would know how to get us out of here!!” He said, in his usual understated way, “Yeah, and Sherry would be supportive and find the humor in all of this too.” Come back soon so that you can teach us how to get out of this room! ;-)
Pam the Goatherd says
I’m sitting on the edge of my desk chair, waiting to hear how you got out of the room!
Lexxi says
You poor things. :( Letting all these haters get to you. I understand. There will always be people who have something to say, who are jealous of your success, and jealous of your spirit. Don’t let it get to you. Remember in High School when there were jealous people who hated the popular people? People do not change. It’s very sad. So, take the time for you and don’t let these haters change who you are. Have fun and love your accomplishments. We are all proud of you and I am sure have all used/gained something from your posts. THANK YOU SO MUCH for all of your time. You guys didn’t ask for what the blog turned into(making money.) That just came around. Hang in there.
Jessie says
Just here checking in….seeing if you are back. I can’t wait for the day YHL is “back”. Hope you are enjoying your break. We miss you!!!
bethany says
You guys are absolutely awesome. I have been a reader for so long, I think I started when you redid that first kitchen that started out with the crazy wood paneling in it. I don’t care if it sounds cheesy to say that reading your happy blog helped me get through years…. like YEARS of infertility where there was not much happiness going one. xoxo times a billion.
Maddy says
I do not usually comment here, but I am a regular reader. I just want to say “10 people will have 101 opinions, we cant keep all of them happy!” For my selfish reasons I cant wait to have you back. Have a wonderful restful internet time-out :)
Hugs
Jodi W says
Just me again…comment #3. I really, really, really miss you guys. Really. I feel like my very best friend left and didn’t leave me any contact information. *sigh*
I hope all is well with you. I hope Clara is enjoying school. I’m wondering if you have put any fall decorations out on your front porch? I am hoping you are on a vacation somewhere great…and that you will be refreshed and ready to join us back here again soon. I can’t imagine this being permanent. Take care, Petersiks.
Jac says
Oh the fall decorations! good point. I feel better now…surely Sherry will have to share her pumpkins? Errr….
Sherri says
I guess I have a hard time letting go, because I check your blog every day, even though I know you aren’t going to post. I think I am in a mourning period. So I am just back to say that I miss you. There is so much I have learned from you. I just recently checked “how to paint a door,”
because I want to re-paint my pantry door some fun color, as well as our front door. You always have the information I need to do a project. I don’t want to go to another source!!… Besides that, I just like you guys as people- your love for each other and for your family draws me in. So whatever you decide, I thank you for being you. I know that there is not another blog out there that will rein me in and keep me interested like YHL has. Just had to express that. Keeping it real, as you always do. xoxo
Marlayna says
Ditto that.
Jessica says
Love your blog so much for your energy, positivity, and great projects. I hope you’re able to figure out a way to come back and enjoy it again. If not, then thanks so much for years of enjoyment! Best wishes to your family.
Amanda says
Dropping a note to say I miss you. Enjoy the well-deserved break, and I’m looking forward to a return!
Courtney says
Long before there was “Young House Love” The Brand, there was John and Sherry. That was who we all fell in love with. You were witty, charming, honest, and genuine. How could we read the blog and not laugh, cry, and celebrate with you? You became our friends even though most of us readers have never met you. I for one, would have invited you to dinner, if we lived anywhere near each other.
Perhaps it is because of that ability to just totally be yourself and your genuineness that many of us knew something was changing for you. We were able to read between the lines and realize something was amiss.
That said, you don’t owe any of us any explanations for the changes or the need for rest. You take all the time you need to do what’s best for you and your family. We will always have you back should you decide to share any part of your life in the public arena again. But should you decide that doesn’t work for your family, know that we wish you all the best as you move forward.
Thank you for all that you have shared and taught us. You will be missed always.
loves and hugs to your whole family
Anamaria says
I miss you :( Come back soon!
Dana says
Peace, rest, and clarity for you both. I am a long time reader and was dismayed to see this post. But I have also been in the position of trying to hold it together with a young family. Best wishes and hope to see you back soon.
Tracy Laverty says
I’ve been following your blog for years. You guys are such an inspiration and I’m so happy for all you’ve accomplished. You are truly creative, funny wonderful people. All the best in whatever lies ahead for you. Enjoy that new baby and your sweet family.
karen marek says
So happy for you. Life goes by so quickly, and children grow so fast. Cherish the simple moments away from the rest of the world.
Amanda says
I have been house hunting for a week in a new state, and just got back to my blog roll. I click on coupon blog and I click on you. The only reason you aren’t number one is because its midnight and I have to invest my attention when I read YHL. But i find only two missed updates; I have felt like I have had you by my side through house hunting. If there was something I couldn’t do, you guys could help me in the best way I understand. It really breaks my heart for you to see that some readers aren’t feeling it anymore. I’m feeling it and I can’t wait to have you back.
Alisha says
Ok this has nothing to do with your hiatus, but I saw this light and deal and it reminds me of your kitchen light:
http://www.worldmarket.com/product/double+galvanized+metal+and+rope+pendant+lamp.do?&from=fn
Tammy says
I was wondering if I accidentally deleted your blog from my reader and found my way here to this post this morning. I’m sure it’s all been said by others but thank you for your wonderful blog, I’ll still be here when you get back.
This is another confirmation for me that so many of us are feeling pulled and stretched in a thousand directions. We are left wondering where the down time went. I am also trying to pursue more family time, more time to enjoy rather than “do”. It takes a conscience effort but I will make it happen, my spirit and my family need it. Good luck to you both, you are doing a good thing.
rachael says
Happy Blogiversary! Love you guys.
Chrissy Henry says
I can’t help it… I stop in to check for updates too often ;) But today I came with a suggestion… Turn off comments. Turn them off forever and never turn them back on.
No one in their right mind would be able to moderate the number of comment you guys receive and keep up with it/not get burnt out! Honestly, with the start of the YHL forums I thought this is the direction you were trying to go but it never happened. I understand that we all want to connect with you and communicate. But we can do that in the forums and it shouldn’t require your constant attention, moderation and refereeing (is that a word)?
Turn them off. Blog because you love it. And get your life back!
Kate says
Enjoy your break!
Stewart Pillow says
Good! I read 50% of those comments and I had to stop because although some people were pointing out your shortcomings it seemed like they were salting the wound a little too much.
I’ve been with you guys since you started. A random search for something else returned a result for your original blog “this young house” and I was hooked. It was right after you posted about your wedding! I checked in on you guys from time to time and then I eventually subscribed. I log in to my email every morning at 7am and I save your update for last; as a personal treat!
I think you both do a great job at being transparent even if you don’t mean to. The story about Clara’s birth?? Yeah, it was obvious something was making you incredibly uncomfortable…. You share thinks like “guess what that stain is..” And “don’t look at my hair in any of these pictures”. You both are real humans (I can vouch for that, you signed my book!)
Take this time to soak up whats left of the summer. You and the kids deserve it! We will be here, those of us who care, and all of the “unsubscribe” stats are just readers who are looking for cheap entertainment and not willing to join a family.
Yeah, that’s what you are! You’re family! I’m sure there are hundreds of not thousands of us followers that would be more than willing to chip in and help with a project, watch the kids, run some errands, paint a room, cut the grass……. You both have the largest family on the planet. Go have fun for a month, two months, a ‘while’, and when you get back we are going to have fun!
-Stewart Pillow
Richmond Va
Rachel says
Didn’t want to add to the noise/wasn’t sure what I’d even say, but now that it’s blogiversay week (which I was excited about as early as July this year) and you’re not posting, I want to officially chime in with my “I miss you and still come here every day and desperately hope you come back.” I hope, whatever you’re doing today, that you are happy, and that you know how much we all love you. Can’t wait to “see” you again–you’ve changed lives. <3
Rachel says
Didn’t want to add to the noise/wasn’t sure what I’d even say, but now that it’s blogiversay week (which I was excited about as early as July this year) and you’re not posting, I want to officially chime in with my “I miss you and still come here every day and desperately hope you come back.” I hope, whatever you’re doing today, that you are happy, and that you know how much we all love you. Can’t wait to “see” you again–you’ve changed lives. <3 <3 <3
Mariah E says
I completely understand, everyone needs a break. It is taxing to be creative constantly, maybe even more so when it is your work, and especially when it just feels “off”!!
The thing I am most sad about is, I only found you guys a year ago (selfish, I know)! I love your writing style, realism and, of course, the projects!
I frequently search your archives when I want to do something in my own home, you are usually my first reference now!! If you choose a different course after your break, pretty please (with a cherry on top!) may we still access all of your wonderful archives?! :)
I wish your family the very best on whatever path speaks to you, but I do hope you will continue to share with us in some capacity!!
With immense gratitude,
M
Kimberley says
I’ve read your blog for ages and have only commented once – it was a question, which you graciously took the time to answer – but wanted to add my two cents to all of the support here. The pace at which you were working was unsustainable and I’m glad you’re scaling back. You don’t owe anybody anything. I have always enjoyed your blogging approach – funny, sweet, thoughtful – and miss hearing about your projects, but you need to do what feels best for you and your family. My husband and I started a u-pick strawberry farm before we had kids; I had these (completely romantic, utterly unrealistic) notions of working in the field with a baby strapped to my back. In reality I had a baby who crawled around eating dirt and unripe strawberries, then a toddler who had no interest in sitting in the middle of a strawberry field getting eaten by mosquitoes. We eventually folded up the business, even though we were making it work and I think it could have been great. But in the end it just wasn’t worth the stress and strain on our family. Good luck to you in whatever you do, whether it’s coming back here or moving onto greener pastures. Happy trails, wishing you all the best. ox
Alyson says
Not gonna lie, I still got a little excited this morning, because it is Monday and I know you were busy over the weekend. You can take the post out of the blog, but you can’t take the blog out of my heart.
Nancie says
DAILY AFFIRMATION NOTE/LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN
Here it is — another Monday morning — and no YHL post. Very sad. You guys were always one of the highlights of my Monday mornings. A great 10 minute break in the middle of the Monday morning rush and a great way to de-stress. Missing you guys! Come back soon.
Kimberley says
I’ve read your blog for ages and have only commented once – it was a question, which you graciously took the time to answer – but wanted to add my two cents to all of the support here. The pace at which you were working was unsustainable and I’m glad you’re scaling back. You don’t owe anybody anything. I have always enjoyed your blogging approach – funny, sweet, thoughtful – and miss hearing about your projects, but you need to do what feels best for you and your family. My husband and I started a u-pick strawberry farm before we had kids; I had these (completely romantic, utterly unrealistic) notions of working in the field with a baby strapped to my back. In reality I had a baby who crawled around eating dirt and unripe strawberries, who grew into a toddler who had no interest in sitting in the middle of a strawberry field getting eaten by mosquitoes. We eventually folded up the business, even though we were making it work and I think it could have been great. But in the end it just wasn’t worth the stress and strain on our family. Good luck to you in whatever you do, whether it’s coming back here or moving onto greener pastures. Happy trails, wishing you all the best. ox
Gilly says
Third comment, and I hope you guys are reading these but maybe you have an intern or someone clicking approve for you so you can really detox.
What is crazy to me, besides how much I miss your posts, is how much joy it gives me to come back here and read through other people’s comments. I feel like I’m mourning a community, a tribe of people who GET me. We get you. You know how weird it is to find people who are goofball funny, and really nice and kind? We found that with you, and your light brought more people like yourself to this place, and now we all gather here and we all get it.
That’s not eloquent or anything, nor does it really have a point… but I wanted to say it. Thanks for your bravery.
(Smooch those kiddos from their virtual aunts and uncles.)
Dina says
Ok, I realize I’m late to the game here but this made me sad to read that you guys are feeling like you need to brace yourself when you hit publish. Been there. That’s not nice. I echo many here when I say this blog has never once felt “off” in any way. I would pay a zillion dollars to work with you guys again. Your ability to write honestly is a gift, and not one that many are blessed with. You could make the yellow pages interesting. So I wish you the best and hope you find happy place, whether it involves all of us or not. You deserve it!
angelica says
I still keep checking back every day hoping to hear from you too. Come back soon!
Paige says
bummer…
Robin says
I hope you are enjoying your blogging break and your family time. Family is the most important thing in life, so it’s important to do whatever it takes to remain a close, happy family. :-)
Don’t let the naysayers get you down. If they don’t like your blog, they can choose to go somewhere else.
Your style is completely NOT my style, but I still LOVE your blog and projects. They open my eyes to new ideas and give me the courage to tackle some of my own projects and decorate my house in my style.
I miss my daily YHL fix, and hope you are back soon.
Megan says
Love and miss you guys!!!! Hope you are having a great time.
Lauren Q. says
I keep checking, thinking it’s April’s Fools. I hope you and your family are doing well and enjoying this break.
Emily says
Ok, you guys can come back now! I keep you in my daily blog check, hoping and wishing for the day you return :)
Xoxo, Emily
Katie says
Miss you guys so much!I had a little bit of YHL in my life this weekend though to make up for your absence…July 28th, my husband and I finally found our perfect home and moved in…I ordered your geometric ceiling light THAT DAY as we had one of those dreaded boob lights right in the entryway…the light had been on backorder since then until it arrived on my doorstep this Saturday. I cannot even begin to describe the amazing feeling of taking down that boob and slapping up that beautiful design of yours! Thank you both for saving me from the boob light plight and know you are missed and thought of by now…4,326 people and counting! ?
Amelia says
I know I’m late getting to this and I’m not a regular commenter, but I’ve been a HUGE fan for years and years and just wanted to put in my two cents. Obviously whatever is best for you is what you should do (a break, a full stop, whatever!) – and I really just hope for the best for you two and your family always. But I will say that it is always, always a pleasure to read your blog – it’s personable, informative, and well-written. No matter what you decide, I do want you both to know how wonderful I think you and this blog baby you produced are. From the heart, this blog has always felt good and right to me – even as it got bigger and bigger (I’ve been a reader since your first few months!). So, two cents – you’ve always got my support both personally and professionally, whatever happens!
Sue says
Just stopping by to say you guys are missed! I hope you are getting what you need from your hiatus and that we hear from you soon.
Wherever you end up, remember that there are literally thousands of people who think you’re pretty awesome. Keep doin’ you, boo!