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!!
Pam Groom says
Thanks for the updated house tour photos. House looks great!
Stephanie says
I’ll really miss reading your blog. You guys inspired me to get my hands dirty and really turn my house into a place that felt like home. And I really enjoyed keeping up with your sweet family (we have a Clara, too! and two other girls). I hope you enjoy the next phase of your adventure, and that blogging hasn’t totally killed your DIY spirit. Wishing love and luck and only good things for y’all!
Hilary says
I’ve read your blog for years and this is my first post. Thanks for the years of inspiration and sharing your journey. I admire your decision to step back and try something new- way to take care of yourselves and your family. You’ll be missed greatly.
Erin J says
so sad :( Yours was the only blog that I looked forward to reading.
Good luck to you on your new adventures!
Micki palmer says
Sad to see you go. Glad that you’ll be getting your life back. Best wishes to you both. Thank you for all the inspiration.
Patty says
Good luck with your adventure but I for one will miss you and your great advice about our homes. I will also miss reading about your children. I am a childless grandmother in waiting (waiting for one of my sons to make me a grandmother). I hate to ask this but . . . . . I took your update house tour and wanted to know if you liked the slate in your front hall. We are doing our bathroom over upstairs and I like the way it looks. Would you use it in a bathroom? I hope you come back periodically and tell us how you are all doing. Thank you for everything.
Rebecca says
It’s no small thing to invite strangers into your home for such a long time; thank you for being such gracious hosts. Thanks also for all of your great ideas and tutorials. You have really, truly inspired so many people to go forth and DIY!! Best of luck to your sweet family in all of your endeavors!
Deighna says
I am so sad! I have followed this blog for a couple years now, and you’ve been a huge source of inspiration for me! Please keep your house tours and archives up as long as you can. I am in my last year of university, but hoping to get my first place after graduation. I will keep your ideas in mind when it comes to my own decorating adventures. I wish you all the best.
Kathy says
Best of luck to your family. Sad at the abrupt ending. Hoping you will post pictures of your rooms as you complete them. Will missing seeing your children grow.
Pam Groom says
Could you guys maybe post once a month?? PLEASE?!?!?
Lydia says
Absolutely wish y’all the best! Give a shout/light-in-the-proverbial-window (not actually watching your house… okay that’s creepy never mind… hahaha) if/when/before the blog goes away (sniffle!). I think of y’all every week with a “ooh I’d love to do xx… I saw how to do that on YHL I need to get on that.”
Caroline B says
I think we all knew this was coming. Still, it’s sad. Wish you had left us with your favorite blogs to follow…
Lynne P says
I don’t think I have ever left a comment, although I visit your site daily. Thank you for all the inspiration! and good luck to you guys!
Kate R says
Thank you for these years and for the inspiration. It has been such a sweet experience feeling connected to you and this community. I wish you the best, and I hope it will still be okay to giggle and say hello if I ever run into you in the RVA. (:
Anne says
Thank you for the great ideas, fun stories and inspiration! I think it’s incredibly brave to make such a big change and admire your priorities. Best of luck!
Melanie says
Really, really , really sad for myself….you will be missed so much…wishing you the best. Thank you for the positive impact you have had on countless people.
Kayla Coe says
Is it possible that you may check in with us as you make changes to your current house on a less professional basis? Maybe just a quick blog post with a few pics? I have been reading your blog since we bought our house in 2011. You inspired and gave me the courage and knowledge I needed to paint my hideous fireplace. I’ve definitely been bookmarking the posts I needed as references for DIYs I plan to do. I wanted to comment when you initially announce you were on hiatus from the blog. I was so mad for what everyone was saying because I was still really enjoying your blog posts. I’m really very sad you are leaving your blog behind.
jillejones says
I just found your website during your break this past month, when a friend online posted laundry room remodel ideas. Wow!!! I am so bummed to have come so very late to the party. I have spent more time browsing through your “how to” posts (and the house tours, wow!!!!) the past week than I should admit. It has inspired me to look at what we can do ourselves to save money as we customize our home also.
I have small children myself and I am pretty impressed you’ve been able to keep such an active blog up for so long while caring for your young children. I don’t know how full-time bloggers do it! I do hope you will post occasional updates to the current house if you feel moved to do so (I want to see the “after” for the dining room someday!).
Thank you so much for sharing so much of yourselves, and, even though I’m a super, super late-comer, I want to add my well-wishes also, to the next adventure.
Jill (in San Diego)
RLR says
I – like many others, I’m sure – was so excited to check in and see a new post! And then….
I’m, well, I don’t know. I’m bummed for me, but I admire your courage to take off on a new adventure. Thank you for keeping the archives up, at least for a while. I guess I’ll have to get to work on my list of projects so I know I’ll have YHL tutorials to help me plan. :)
I’ll miss the project posts, for sure, but I will also miss all of the family posts. Maybe that’s why you need to move on. You need to be a family without all of our commentary :) How many nosy “aunts” and bossy “in-laws” can one family tolerate? (I’m laughing as I type that!)
Enjoy your sweet family. It really does go by in the blink of an eye. I hope you’ll post here and there – but if not, I know that you are making the right choice for your family and I certainly can’t criticize that.
Best wishes, Petersik family!
Annabel Dee says
Long time reader coming out of the shadows to say thank you, Petersiks! For the laughs and inspiration, for sharing a glimpse of your lives with us, and for imparting an abundance of DIY wisdom to us all. I’m excited for you, for whatever your next big adventure holds, and beyond! All the best to you both, and to Clara, Teddy and Burger as well :)
Sarah says
Best of luck, guys! I loved following you for all these years. Thank you and we’ll miss you!
Michelle says
Please tell us you are signing a contract for a new show on HGTV and that’s why you are leaving us…I am so sad. I really hope you are working on something great and in some way we will hear about it, rather you give us a lengthy post every now and again or share it on ….Oh I don’t know maybe your new show on HGTV?? haven’t they approached you guys yet? What’s wrong with them.
Angie says
Best of luck!! You will be missed. I’m sure this wasn’t an easy decision, but you have to do what you feel is best for your family. :)
Jenna says
NNNNNooooooOoOOOOOOoooooo how am I going to learn how to do anything without you guys? waaaaahhhhhh :(
Lindsey says
I have been reading this blog almost sense the beginning , and as silly as it sounds, I feel like I know you guys ! I will miss the family/house/ life updates . I have no idea what I’ll read with my morning coffee! Thank you guys for sharing your lives with us for as long as you did. I wish you all the very best ; youre a lovely family!
Megan says
Well done! This choice is full of life and grace, a true hallmark of your family. Thanks so much for your energy and professionalism. I wish you all the very best; see you on the bookshelf for #2!
Kristy P. says
I’m not ashamed to say that I got a little misty eyed while reading this post. Farewell for now. Best of luck to you on your next big adventure. You will truly be missed.
Kati says
Not sure why you came across my mind today to them log onto your blog to see your sad news. Sad for us as your readers and followers, but you are doing what is right for you and this time in your life. I literally cried at the end of readig this. Not sure why as we don’t know each other. Through your words you’ve inspired me in my own home and have felt I can relate in a way to you as a mom. Your new journey as a family will be amazing!
Payton says
I’m just so sad.
LD says
Not surprised. You shared too much of your life. Wish you would keep up with the house projects as that is what many of us are here for. As a parent of older children I always thought it wasn’t healthy for the kids to have so much out there. They get older, go to school and get teased. Glad for your family this is over, sad for us since the DIY is going too. Hope you find the balance you want. Good luck!
Pam the Goatherd says
I will miss spending my morning break with you, but you have to do what’s best for your family. Wishing you all the best.
Kim says
I feel really selfish saying this, but DON’T GO! Okay, go…and on YOUR terms. But please try to leave the site up so we can still “visit” you all? It’s been great following you all for the past few years. :)
Dana says
Thank you guys! Best, best, best wishes!
Karen says
Feeling sad:( I loved everything about you guys!
Nadine says
It’s true that one can’t go on forever doing the same thing, but it must take some courage to drop something so successful, but that’s what life is for. Wishing you every luck with your next endeavour/adventure.
Kristin says
Beyond excited for you guys and your future adventures! Your babes are growing like weeds and you need to take time to do what’s right for your family. Your crazy sense of humor will be missed (I’m selfishly a little sad to not be able to peek into your lives) but it’s for the best. You guys are awesome!!
Liv says
I’m a very infrequent comment-maker, but I just wanted to say how much I’ve enjoyed reading your blog in the past 4 years (first time I found it was staying up late before a night shift, so it seems very fitting that I’m reading this last post as I stay up late, preparing for another night shift!). I’ll miss your updates and your style of decorating! I really hope you carry on to more exciting and joyful things :) Take care!
Eva says
Truly enjoyed your blog throughout the years, thank you from the bottom of my heart. May the next phase of your lives fill you with joy :)
Kait says
Wow. Didn’t know that I would be so affected by this, but I really am. Makes me realize how much of an inspiration, daily habit, and entertainment you were for me. Thank you, thank you for the warm welcome into your lives. You will be missed.
Kelly says
J&S- I have a boulder-sized lump in my throat after reading your fond farewell. Like others, I feel like I’m losing a friend, even though it’s definitely a strange one-sided relationship. I’ve been reading since almost the beginning, and I feel like we’ve grown up together. Your blog has been a constant source of joy and inspiration in my life for so long, and I am so sad that this long journey has come to an end. I do understand and respect your decision. I wish nothing but unbridled joy and happiness for your family in the adventures ahead. XO
jen says
My heart just broke. I will miss you guys… you’ve been part of my life for over 5 years now. Thanks for everything!
Cori says
Best of luck to you four! We’ve enjoyed all you shared with us and look forward to hearing more from you in whatever direction you take next. Kudos for doing what’s best for your family. xoxo
Jessica Holmes says
I’m so devastated! Oh man, you were a part of my morning ritual… I hope you find peace and clarity, and get to make money doing something else that allows you to be at home all day, watching and enjoying your children. I will miss reading all about your home updates…I feel ripped off that we haven’t gotten to see any of the phase 2 on bathrooms or the kitchen in this home!
Enjoy the next phase of your life…I’m trying so hard to be nothing but positive for you, but the truth is, I’m struggling! :-)
Good luck to you all x
Michele from IL says
Best wishes for your new adventures! :)
myamogabi says
I must say it takes guts to make that decision, but I’m soooo soooo, sooooo sad. You guys have been such an inspiration! You will be missed!
Best wishes to you all!
Jess says
Feel like I’m losing a great friend. You will be missed. Thank you for the past 80 months.
Erin says
First comment ever. I’m not a DIYer or even a decorator, but used to check YHL occasionally just to see what your charming family was up to. For your sake, I’m glad you have made the decision to get off of the treadmill and out of the fishbowl. I don’t think you ever needed to apologize to anybody for choosing not to share every life detail. God bless you and family as you continue to choose your own journey.
trish1400 says
I started reading when you did your first house’s porch up for some competition about 5 years ago (I came via one of the other blogs in the comp). I’ve been reading ever since but, to be honest, I’ve hardly ever commented – I just took your free entertainment for granted and gave nothing in return. So I just wanted to say thanks. You’ve made me laugh out loud many times, introduced me to far too many pop songs, educated me on topics I have absolutely no business knowing anything about (my knowledge of cloth nappies recently stunned my friends) and inspired me to take on my own huge (and currently slightly overwhelming) house project.
All the best the future! So long, and thanks for all the fish :)
Kim says
I will really miss all of your creativity and inspiration. You have made me realize what I am capable of when it comes to creating a home. I will miss seeing the changes to your home and watching your family grow. Wishing you all the best! You seem like great people and I hope something amazing is in your future!
Deb says
Thank you so much for the many years of experience documented here. It has been so fun following the journey! Good luck in your future endeavors!!