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!!
Sarah says
Sorry to see you go, but thank you for a blog that I always enjoyed reading. I’ll miss getting excited when I see new posts pop up. All the best with your next adventure!
Deb says
It’s hard to say anything that hasn’t already been said.
I feel such relief for you guys though; sometimes I felt stressed just thinking of the schedule you guys kept with this here blog!
I’ve so enjoyed your little spot of the internet & will miss seeing those beautiful kiddies of yours grow, but best if luck on your next great adventure!
Yvonne says
John and Sherry, what a ride! You both have been such an inspiration for DIYing and living life in a genuine way. I know you faltered with where you wanted to go next, but that’s expected! I’m so happy to have “met” you both, and your lovely family. Thanks for sharing with us! Good luck on your future adventures! :)
Jennifer G. says
Although I am super sad I won’t see you and your lovely family on my feed anymore, I wish you all the best and happiest adventure for the future!! I’m glad you made the selfish decision to make your family your priority, they will thank you for it later on and although you will be missed I thank you for sharing your life with us up until now. It was fun to see you all progress (home wise) and build a family. Best of luck to you all :)
Ashleigh says
I guess all good things must come to an end. Best of luck to you. I hope to see you guys somewhere in the future!
Dena says
I truly mean it when I say I am thrilled for your family! New adventures keep our spirits alive, and add to the meaning in our lives. I’m sad to no longer be invited on the journey, but I will always continue to support your endeavors! Of all of the home ideas and inspiration you have given me, this decision is most inspirational! So many people dream of a fresh start…but you are making it happen! Best wishes, Petersiks! “Happy people are happy for those who are happy!”
Whitney Dupuis says
Thank you so much for sharing your lives {and of course diy ingenuity with us} for so long. Good luck with everything. I can’t wait for the second book and I look forward to hearing great things coming from you guys – in whatever capacity it happens!
tom says
So sad
Allison says
I too feel a strange loss and sadness, but I commend you for making this brave choice to do what’s best for you. See my favorite definition of the word brave for full understanding: http://momastery.com/blog/2014/09/24/this-is-what-brave-means/
Teresa Sheeley says
Happy for you! Selfishly bummed for me…..I always love your posts because they are filled with inspirations and gave me resources to try and find nice things for my home. Will miss this terribly. God Bless!
Ofelia, from Mexico City says
I miss you already. So sad news for me… But nothing last forever. Its true. So, best wishes and greetings for all four (five including Burger) of you. Que Dios los bendiga.
Kim says
Congratulations on your new chapter!! It has been great seeing your updates here over the past few years, and you will be missed terribly. Have a great time doing whatever comes next!
Tasha says
Thanks for being so great! Best to all of you!!!
gn0mel0ver says
Good luck with everything. Enjoy each other. I know you don’t drink, but I’m toasting you guys. I am so sad to see the blog end, but happy for you that your new life is just beginning.
Jenni
Diann says
I’m really going to miss you. Best of luck on your next adventure.
Anne says
Happy for you; sad for me/us. Thank you for the wonderful ride.
Talia says
Long time reader; just wanted to leave a comment thanking you for all the years of posts. I still remember seeing you guys in a Washington Post article for the first time. Wishing you all the best! :)
Michele says
Thanks for all the inspiration. Keep us posted on your next endeavor and much luck to two talented people!
Kristin says
Well then let me take a moment to say “thank you!” Your blog has been so wonderful. Best of luck!
lindaschirp says
I’ve loved being a watcher! I’ll miss you, but I congratulate you on this decision! I think you’re wise to take your lives offline, to let your family grow out of the limelight. Blessings to you!
Lesley says
Makes me respect you even more! Enjoy every minute with those sweet kiddos and best of luck with whatever adventures await. Yours was my introduction to blog-following and it has been a really fun ride. Thank you for (over)sharing! xo
Jerri Abdelaziz says
Best of luck in your next adventure. I’m sure you will do amazing things. It has been a pleasure reading your blog. You will defiantly be missed!!
Becca says
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. You have inspired me in so many ways. I admire your courage to explore things out of your comfort zone and I love that your family comes first. I feel like this blog has been there throughout the same transitions in my life – marriage, new home, new baby (girl first), next new baby (boy) – It’s going to be strange not glancing at YHL for inspiration moving forward! I honestly feel that feeling you have when you find out a best friend is moving far away. You (and your ceramic animals) will be greatly missed. xo
Natasha says
So sad, but it is not my life. I hope you both find the right balance in your lives and strive to lead a very happy life. I hope to “hear” from you now and then as my readership has felt more like a relationship. Good luck and Many Happy Adventures.
Cheri says
So happy for you! If you decided to archive your blog in a book ( or three – one per house) I would buy it/them!!!
All the best,
A loyal reader named cheri
Ruth says
Will miss your little family so much. You were a blessing in this oldster’s (75) life. Keep pressing on, loving each other and savoring the moments. Wishing you the very best.
Lucy Majkszak says
Like everyone else I was so happy to see this post but sooo sad you’re not coming back. What are you going to do? Will you let us know? I feel like I’m losing a good friend. Best of luck to your family, love the updated picture of your family.
Heather says
As a loyal reader since before YHL changed its name, thank you our years together. I have a ceiling-height, white waffle weave shower curtain in the hall bath. My front door is painted a teal-ish blue — inside and out. A gallery wall of pictures, kid art, maps and nostalgia fills my hallway. Adirondack chairs hang in my backyard. Better than Pinterest, over the years, YHL has provided inspiration and a trusted dose of DIY reality. I enjoy my house more every day — because of this blog. Thank you. Best of luck in your next adventures.
Aimee says
Aw man. I was hoping you would announce you were going to once a week posts, not moving on completely! That’s the selfish reader in me, but I know the next season of your life is going to be wonderful. Enjoy those kiddos and moving on to your next adventure. Hope we will still hear from you guys from time to time!
Kelly says
Awww you guys… I’m feeling all these kinds of feelings… I can’t even. I just can’t imagine an internet without your creative & quirky selves to selfishly entertain me with! I have been following your blog since your first year & have loved seeing your homes & your family’s transformations!!
I will miss you so!! HUGS & high fives all the way around!! Blessings to you, dear Petersiks!!
J.P. says
I’ve been a reader since shortly after your wedding. I just want to say thank you for giving me so much pleasure over the years. Best wishes to you and your family in all you do.
Another Irish blessing for you:
May you always have…
Walls for the winds
A roof for the rain
Tea beside the fire
Laughter to cheer you
Those you love near you
And all your heart might desire.
Wendy says
It just feels so darn abrupt.
You started the blog, and we all came. You invited us into your home, and inevitably, we fell in love with your adorable family. We came to count on your guidance and inspiration with all things DIY and design. We fiercely supported you in every endeavor. We became invested. So, now, this cold-turkey approach just doesn’t feel right. I wish you could have whittled down your weekly posts and faded out slowly or maybe offered an every-once-in-a-while instagram update on the house… just something to ease the transition of losing our “friends”/favorite blog/daily read. I feel torn, because I really don’t feel that you owe us anything more. I think I’m just bummed.
I wholeheartedly applaud your courage to make this change for your family. I wish you every success and am confident you guys will crush anything you try. More importantly, I wish your little family lots of love and laughter. All the best. You’ll be missed.
Jamie Howe says
Good luck! I will always be reminded of you when I look at the exterior of my home…anonymous. Hope you enjoy some anonymity for awhile!!
Molly says
I found your blog nursing my daughter in the middle of the night – she is now four. My gut instinct when I read this was such sadness. Your blog is the only one that I look(ed) forward to checking daily. I feel like a part of your lives. I will really miss watching your kids/family/home grow. Then I realized that I felt more sadness for this loss than I had for actual friends who have fallen from my life lately. For that I have to thank you – perhaps your parting gift to me was a reality check that I needed. I am going to unplug from the blog world more and plug into MY world more. Thank you for making me think and heading me in that direction. That being said – I am still planning to emulate your color palate when I paint the house at the end of the year! So, then you will truly be a part of my day to day life. Wish you all the best! Thank you for sharing a part of your life with me. Much Love. mhc
Ruth says
It is safe to say that you have the best DIY blog out there. I will miss you all! I hope you can share your finished house someday!
Jess says
Petersiks!!!! I will really miss you. I’ve enjoyed your wit, creativity and especially your kindness and positivity over the years. You should be so proud of what you’ve created here. You’ve inspired so many of us to get creative and find ourselves in our own homes and I am so completely grateful to you for that. All the very best to all four of you in whatever adventures lie ahead. That being said, if you ever just want to shoot me a quick email with any and all “after” pics of any of your yet-to-be-done rooms, I would certainly be open to that ;-)
Jenn says
Me too!
Kim Lewis says
I for one will miss your blog VERY much!! You are such a cute couple and now an adorable family!! Have always loved your ideas and hope to still see you around on Pinterest and other places! Many blessings to you & your family!!
Tameeka says
Just wanted to say a big thankyou for sharing your journey and lives with us. Sad that this is the end but understand completely and fully respect and admire your decision. You have created a fantastic body of work and I for one am hopeful that the archives stay around for a while to refer to :)
Good Luck in your next adventure
Rache says
John and Sherry, your blog is truly the best. We will miss you. All the best on your new adventure and thank you for pouring your heart and soul into your readers. You are loved!
melinda ke says
Oh gosh, I’m going to miss you guys!!! Every time you posted a project in your home it lit a fire in me to get rolling with my own home improvement projects, and I’m really going to miss that. I’m also going to miss watching your family grow, even though I rarely ever comment I still felt like we were old pals in a way. Best of luck with your new adventures and wishing you much happiness!
lynda says
Enjoy your next adventure. Thanks for sharing.
sangeetha says
Good luck Guys! You guys brought me into the world of blogs. Your projects were truly inspiring. Watched you guys grow into a family of four, Loved you wit, humor and your ability to have fun with everything. Hopefully will get to watch your Goodwill trip recaps on Katie Bower’s blog (hopeful ;-) )
katie says
I feel a little bit of a lump in my throat and this is so weird! So incredibly sad… I feel like we’ve been through so much together and now even reading old posts I have a weird feeling like… those were the goood old days! Whats wrong with me!! :(
Thanks for all of the inspiration, replies to questions and entertainment. Best of luck you guys….now come back!
Audrey says
You’ve inspired me not only with your ideas, but also with your positivity. You have uplifted my day for years. Good luck to you in your next adventure!
Jenn says
I’m so sad but I hope the best for your new adventure! You have inspired me so much! I just hope that maybe one day my house will look as awesome as all three of yours. You really will be missed. I’m looking forward to your 2nd book!
Theresa Kennedy says
I love you guys so much. I almost cried seeing the pic of your sweet family and knowing we won’t be getting weekly updates on their status. Thanks for updating the house pics — please please update us on the future status of your kitchen, master bath/closet, built-in shelves in master, etc. And please please keep in touch! Love you guys!!!
Betty says
Wishing you the best in all your future endeavors. Hopefully we get to see you on a future book tour.
megger16 says
Best of luck Petersiks!! I am so so sad, but happy for you all. I will truly miss your family and being able to share in little snippets of your life.
Nelle says
So sad, I’m going to miss you guys.
Julie says
I enjoyed every post — thank you! All the best to you and your little ones.