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!!
Emily says
Good luck in your new adventures! You will always be my first and favorite blog :)
Abbie says
I’m feeling what it sounds like most everyone else here does..sad for me, but happy & excited for you! I do hope you’ll continue to share brief/picture heavy posts when you eventually finish rooms or big projects. I’m just so curious about what you’ll end up doing with the rest of your house! Best of luck!
Jenny says
Thank you guys for everything you’ve given us – all your time, your passion, and your love! It’s been wonderful getting to see all the awesome things you’ve done to your houses and really fun watching Clara (and Teddy!) grow. I know we’ll all miss you, but I for one am SO happy for you guys! Go live your lives without the rest of us watching and enjoy it. :) You deserve it.
laura says
Glad to hear you’re following your hearts! I’m sure the new adventure will be equally worth it and more! Hopefully you’ll still post on Instagram and update the weekly Teddy pics.
Shannon says
Sad for me, but ELATED for you and your family! Now, go forth and prosper! xoxoxo And thanks for everything.
Nicki says
Thanks for the adventure. Now go have a new one!
As my five year old would say, it’s been epic.
Bella says
Wise words, wise people, thanks for all the fun & encouragement, all the best + God bless.
s says
Noooooooo!!!! Aw, now I’m sad :( Can you at least help us all find blogs to replace yours? Because how else will we all survive!?!
Em says
Genuinely sad about this. I loved your projects so much and how you analyized projects and design decisions taught me so much.
I will honestly miss your “how tos”, which is why I came to the blog – I didn’t come for kid updates, dog updates, or life updates. (Honestly, those of us suffering from infertility tend to shy away from blogs that feature pregnant bellies and babies – it’s too much.) I hope in your reincarnation, whatever form that is, you realize that you both have a gift for teaching – and you don’t have to amuse people with other distractions.
Thank you both so much.
Caroline B says
Wish we could see what your doing with the diningroom!!!
Rach says
Waiting to see you on HGTV ;) Will miss you:) I have followed you daily for 3.5 years (since my little one was born) and it has been great!!
Kelli and Aaron Barnett via the Unconventional Farmhouse says
Best of luck as you follow your heart! That’s what life should be all about so kuddos!
Jen Powell says
I wish you all the best, but I can’t say I am happy. You have no idea what happiness you all have brought to my life and the lives of my friends. The way you describe projects is awesome. I rent and use so many of your ideas in my rental. You are an inspiration in making decisions about money, life, and home life (all of which effect the quality of life). I am soooo sad!
Suzanne says
I will look for your book next October. Wishing you the best of everything!
Susan says
Good luck to you and your family. I’ve enjoyed reading your blog and seeing what you’ve done with your 3 houses. There’s been a lotta inspiration here. :)
Take care.
Kate says
A shift in priorities is a healthy thing. Although we will miss you, your family, and all your good advice and your blog, we understand that you need to and should focus on your family and your next adventure.
When I left a lucrative, thriving career a few months ago to take care of my two young children full-time, some people thought I was crazy. Yet here I am, LOVING my new adventure as a full-time mom, relishing every moment with my children and feeling happier, healthier and more in my “groove” than I have since way before I had my first child nearly five years ago. Even my HAIR looks healthier!
I wish you the same happiness, peace, fulfillment, and joy in your new adventure. Becoming parents (especially when #2 comes along) does and should cause a major shift in one’s life and priorities. Based on your post and on the family photo you shared (seriously guys? you’re gorgeous!), it looks like you’ve already started to experience all these feelings and more!
See you again when you’re ready to share your next adventure with us!
Anne D. says
I, too, will sorely miss your blog, but I hope your next phase of life will bring you joy and fulfillment. Thanks for giving this timid DIY-er the courage to try some new things (I bought a 50’s dresser and painted the veneer finish; it turned out great!). Also, I LOVE what you did with the show house this past spring. It was so neat to see what you did with a completely blank slate. Looking forward to your next book!
hopeistrying says
Wow! As sad as it is to know you guys won’t be “around” as much anymore, I am so stoked for you guys and your new adventure. I’d be totally lying if I didn’t admit that I’m super curious about there you guys are headed, but I’ll get over it eventually. ;P Best wishes to you and your family and I can’t wait to catch up sometime when you’ve got the itch to drop by and say hello again. *hugs Petersik friends!
[email protected] says
John & Sheri, many blessings to you, and your sweet family on your new adventure!
Thank you for sharing your lives with us these past seven years. You’ll be missed…
Sincerely Lori Swearingen
BJ Janowicz says
So sad to see you go, but we all knew it was coming. Life changes. Good luck in your new adventures. Your archives would make a GREAT BOOK. I will miss reading your blog. Thanks for keep the archives public so we can enjoy the very best of Young House Love. Best of Luck.
Blanca says
I’ve had really weird emotions about this. I have been following for years every day. I know there’s nothing I can do and I completely understand why. I wouldn’t expect less from you and that’s what made you great. Oh! The paradox! I was just sitting here getting some work done on my laptop and I clicked on your tab. I always have a YHL tab open. I showed my husband the picture and he he told me that I had to write and say thank you for everything you have done over the years. He said “They have been a big part of your life as weird as it is”. Yes, it is weird. Now, I’m crying. I’ll miss the kids, the rap songs, the silly blog titles and just reading about great genuine people. And of course the house. I was looking at the updated pictures earlier and I can’t believe that I know the back story for most of what I see and the work and love that went into it. I will miss it all. I want to say that I will not follow if you come back in a few years, but I will. I will always be a fan. ALWAYS <3
THANK YOU
THANK YOU
THANK YOU
Love
Blanca.
Mia says
I’ve been reading this blog every week day for the last 4 (almost 5) years. I will miss it dearly! This blog went with me from the end of my senior year of high school to 3 years of college, and now my first year of nursing school. I feel like I know y’all. I will miss watching y’all transform another house into a beautiful home and seeing Cara and Teddy grow. Wishing y’all the best of luck in your future endeavors whatever they may be!
Caroline B says
From the looks of the updated house tour, you spent the last month shopping! Looking beautiful! It would appear you would run out of content for the blog soon anyway!
Jill says
Thank you for opening your lives, your homes, and your hearts to us all. Thank you for sharing your beautiful children with us and trusting us with your grand ideas. I won’t ever forget the Petersiks and will pray for yall as you transition into this new season! Take care and God Bless!?
Corie says
I was really hoping you’d pull yourselves up by the bootstraps and come back with a new plan and fresh ideas. Womp-womp.
Happy for you guys though!! I hope you enjoy making your house into an actual home for your family — one with closed curtains. Good luck with whatever you’re getting into next. You’ll be missed!
Take care!!
xxoo
Steph Reiner says
Okay…. But you do realize I will still compulsively check the page every day to see if you changed your mind, right??!?!!? I echo the same sentiments as pretty much everyone else… I’ve missed you guys and agree that you look so happy and refreshed and this feels like a break-up so I’m gonna go eat a gallon of ice cream and cry while I watch Dirty Dancing.
Amber W says
Thank you for the seven years of inspiration! I believe I’ve been here since month 3. It has been a daily source of inspiration, guidance and hilarity for so long. I will miss you greatly but am happy for the balance and clarity you have found. Cheers to your new adventures with your happy family!!
Sue Wilson says
Best of luck with your new adventure! I will miss reading the blog, but am looking forward to your next book!
Lisa says
As my momma told me when we moved halfway across the country with a 6 month old baby to the Midwest (yes, a foreign land to a lifelong East Coaster), “You can always move back”. So 4 years and an additional kid later, we did. I wouldn’t change the experience we had for the world. Bravo for you! Take time to explore your options. Do projects for yourselves and send each other picture and text messages if you need to feel Bloggy. Set up a secret John & Sherry only Facebook page and post there if you feel Posty one day. Dial down and enjoy those adorables – because they don’t stay little very long! We will all miss you but we all know you will be groovin’ it up and doing cool things.
Love that you are leaving it up for us to stalk and learn from (will there be a test on it someday)?
And, as momma used to say, you can always come back!
XO
J says
Awwww. Reminded me of a certain song:
Are you in there?
People are asking where you’ve been
They speak of courage and I’m trying to,
I’m right here for you. Let me in….
do you want to build a snowman?
Okayyyy…. byyyeeee ……:’)
Good luck and thanks for everything. You will be missed xoxo
Marilyn P says
ok – I’m gonna miss you guys more than I want to admit to missing people I’ve never even met. You had an awesome run, and I’m glad I found you when I did. Enjoy the kids and your new adventures!! But keep us in the loop – most of us feel like family….
Joy says
Best wishes! I have enjoyed following your blog almost from the beginning and I hope the next phase of your lives is everything you are hoping it will be. I really appreciate you leaving your archives up, too; they are so helpful as I’m getting to projects around my house :)
Jane says
Sherry & John:
Thank you for sharing the beautiful family photo and updating Teddy’s project. Your two children are your greatest edition to an outstanding Blog. Thank you for sharing them with the world. They made me smile many a day along with that Burger dog. I also loved meeting your family members along the way. All my best to each.
No matter what you choose to do, I know it will be top-notch, creative, from the heart, genuine, well-organized, detailed, artistic, with a touch of humor, and just all around well-done. You will succeed no matter what you choose.
I wish you all the best in your next chapter. How exciting for you to be moving on to something new!
Thank you for the memories over the years. I will miss you.
Tanya says
It’s like realizing that your favorite show has been cancelled :( Hope that you will drop in from time to time and let us know what you are up to! After spending time and supporting your blog daily it would be nice to know where life is taking you! :) Best wishes in all that you do!
Sarah W. says
I think your decision is very very wise. How can anyone look at that picture of your beautiful family and think otherwise? Thank you for sharing your life with us. I wish your precious family all the best!
Jordy says
What exactly do you plan on doing to pay the bills? I wish I could just up and quit my day job, but with kids and a mortgage that’s not a reality. I ask this out of curiosity, we all feel like we know you like family and I am truly sorry that you feel stuck with this blog, but how can you transition to no work? Will one of you be going back to a day job. Can side projects without a public presence keep the money coming in for the long run? Please keep us updated periodically, I know you don’t owe us anything, but as you can tell we are all a little upset about the abrupt disappearance. It’s sort of like a show being cancelled and the audience doesn’t get the season finale the characters need. *Cue the freeze framed characters with a bio of what they did with their lives after the last credit runs*
Sarah W. says
Ugh. It is comments like Jordy’s that make me feel great relief for you that you’re moving on. I hope you enjoy a lot of privacy that is free of judgement in your next adventure.
Thank you for being amazing examples of frugality, resourcefulness and DIY bravery over the years. I saw you as trailblazers when you became a full-time blogging family and I’m anxious to see how you blaze the trail out of blogging. Amazing things are in your future!
Grete S says
Like everyone else, it’s bittersweet to see you leave the blog-world! My husband, Jon, and I have been following along since you two were renovating your first home as newlyweds, and as your family has grown, I feel like our own family has been following suit – our first baby in 2010, our second this year. I’ve always felt very similar to you all – perhaps because of age & life stage – and I echo the other readers that it feels like good friends are moving away. :(
I appreciate all the time you’ve taken over the years to be open, honest, silly, risk-taking, creative, and informative with your homes and your lives. I’ve learned a lot from you all, and I’ve enjoyed watching your adventures!
Have a wonderful time in this new step of your journey, and don’t ever feel bad about doing what’s best for your family. :)
XO
Liz says
I do hope that once the kitchen is complete and you have painted the blue trim in the dining room, you will share :) I will miss this part of my daily routine. Thank you for all that you have shared over the years, and for awakening the interior decorator in me which I never knew existed! Best of luck…
Sheri says
Thank you, Petersiks. All my best to you.
Laura B. says
Best wishes to the four of you!!!!! I’ve been so happy for you each time something exciting occurred or you had news to share! This is just another moment!! I’ll miss checking all your inspirational projects out… But truly happy for you that you’re finding your peace and balance!!
Kate says
I’m sure you guys can’t possibly read through all the entries that have already been posted, but like everyone else I just had to chime in with another wish for very happy trails!
Selfishly, I was hoping that you’d continue to blog, especially since you’ve inspired me with so many ideas for my little rental, and have given me the courage to dream about renovating a place of my own someday. So now (again selfishly) I’m hoping you’ll keep the archives going until that time comes, because I know you’ve given me about a million ideas I’d love to use someday!
Wishing you guys all the best for the future!
Colleen says
Love you guys! Best of luck and God bless.
Ashley L. says
I am really going to miss you guys. I have gotten so much inspiration from your blog, as well as a lot of “pick me ups” on blah days just from reading your happy posts and looking at your pictures. Thanks for everything! You guys are the best.
Kate says
I will miss your blog (and have missed your blog during the break) — but I am really, really happy for you and wish your family all the best. This is such a brave decision and I really admire you for doing what’s best for you. <3
modestbride says
Actually feel heart broken. I’ve missed all the posts over this last month! Good luck with everything in the future though.
Margaret says
Best of luck in this new adventure, thank you for sharing your home and lives with us for seven years!
Gwen says
Such sad news indeed! You were definitely a daily part of my life and even appeared in a few dreams. Silly, I know! But I’m trying to keep this comment light…Do you remember that video you did when a reader asked what you will do when you aren’t “young” anymore? Would you change the name or something? Well I guess this is the answer to that question. You are older, wiser and moving on. A journey in life we are all allowed to make. Thank you for setting the standards high in the blogging world and for inviting us into your home. Okay, so this wasn’t light. Hugs!!
Kat says
Well, I’m so sad to see you go… but 7 IS your lucky number, isn’t it? So, this seems like the right time for you to move on! I’ve been following your blog for so many years, you’re like my own kids flying out of the nest! :) You two are amazingly talented; I’m sure we’ll be seeing your name in lights somewhere soon. All the best <3
Christi says
Thank you so much for sharing your lives for 80+ months and also thank you for the month of thought and consideration before announcing your departure from the blog world, it makes it a little easier for me to understand that this decision did not come to guys lightly.
I am confident that I will see your style, products, faces, etc in a new medium in the future, your star is too bright to be dimmed. I will miss your humor, your humility and most of all the world your shared with all of us for so long.
Best of luck, love and laughter and you begin the next chapter of a very long book!
Natalie says
This literally made me tear up…please don’t go! :(