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!!
Linda says
Just a suggestion, but is there any possibility that you could have your entire blog published into a book? You both have given the world so much valuable information and I would hate to not have access to it if you eventually took the blog down. Your blog was the only one I followed and I’m truly going to miss you. All the best to you and your beautiful family!
sarahsdaybook says
AGREED!
Jenni says
I will miss you and your blog, but wish you the best of success in all you do together x
joeyfromsc says
Very well said and yes, much lighter than the other, last, heavy post haha..I have missed y’all SO much!!! Thanks for saying a “seeya later” to us!! I do hope you will pop in on facebook/instagram on occasion! I feel like I’m losing a best friend lol
Best of luck in all of your future endeavors. I am thankful that the archives are here, because I have some to catch up on lol
Always a friend,
Joey J.
CA
Shelley says
I wish you would post occasionally as a hobby. It would be awesome to see house/kid progress now & again. I only recently started following your blog & I love your house style! I wanna see how it all turns out!
Amanda says
I like this idea too. Just post like once every few months with a living room update or something. I know most people won’t check every few months but I probably would haha.
Jen @ The Decor Scene says
That would be an awesome post to see every few months. Just to catch up and we can see your Dining Room transform maybe. A blog just as a hobby or just because you might want to share something would be awesome. Maybe you guys have already thought about that. Hope to see new posts in the future. Lots of luck to you guys. Hugs!!!
Sally says
I’m sorry to see you guys go, but glad to see you are following your heart:) I wish you nothing but the best in the future, whatever your new adventures may bring!
Marie says
The archives are definitely helpful! Please keep those up til I know everything about how to fix up my own house – so that’ll be about, oh, 50 years from now ;) Thanks! Good luck!
Jess says
Thank you & good luck guys. Have loved the blog & will miss it & you guys but very pleased for you that you were brave enough to make this decision.
Jackie says
I’m am terribly sad that you guys are done, but I completely understand. I will miss you guys dearly!! It’s been wonderful watching you guys grow, be silly, and inspire. I am thankful I got to meet you when you came to DC (at Flor) for the book tour. (I brought the bee photograph and excitedly asked if you had brought Burger. He’s the best!!!)
My boyfriend and I bought our first house soon after I found your blog. Thank you for being my inspiration! Thank you for helping me to be bold. (I’ve painted most of my house grey with pops of colorful accents) I can’t thank you enough. I will miss you guys soo soo much, but you guys will be amazing no matter what you do! Passion like the two of you have doesn’t leave because you stop blogging.
You got this!!!
xo
Jackie
Jodi P says
Wow, 1400+ comments so you’re probably not going to read them all(or are you?) – just wanted to add my thanks and goodbye, I’ve been reading for about three years and have loved watching your family grow as my own has grown. My very best wishes to you all, you’re a beautiful family with a beautiful home and I will miss reading about it all. Lots of love from Australia.
Anne C says
You are so adorable, you four, on this photo — a portrait of the begining of your new life! May it be full of joy and success!!! I feel very happy for you and very grateful for all those marvelous posts you’ve offered us all. (Of course, right now, as so many others, what i DO feel is… a terrible sensation of deprivation. Let me screeeeeam a little, and I will be OK-ish, I promise ^_^.) Anne in France
Joanna says
Oh, and I still remember how I got on to your blog in a first place – looking for a specific canava from Ikea, I found it on your blog in one of the posts, than I started wandering around and been checking on you guys since. What a journey! it will be soo strange not to see your smiley pictures going around!!
I wish you all the best in your new adventure, but please could you share it all with us in some colorful memoires in a the nearest future?? :) xxx
Margaret says
Farewell from Brisbane, Australia! Will miss you guys heaps but I wish you all the best in your new adventures, where ever they lead you! :)
Caro says
Another farewell from Brisbane, Australia! Maybe a holiday to Australia is on the cards?!?
Jess says
I’m really sad to see you guys go, but I’m so happy for you to be trying new things. I have really missed you over your break so it’s bitter sweet to see you go indefinitly. Hopefully the archives can stay available for a long time because there is so much I want to look over again.
Again I say good luck with all your future endeavors and I’ll miss you
zana says
my eyes are all welling up over here!! iam totally gonna miss you guys!! u guys were like our wonderland frens/family!! got so used to visiting the blog everyday since 2010…..love and hugs and all the best!!
saddened to the core of my heart…trully like losing a fren feelin….n happy for watever u guys do in da coming future…may success always come your way…and my way too ;))me and my fam loves you sherry john clara teddy burger!!!!
Mel says
John and Sherry, thank you for all of your wonderful and witty posts. Kudos to you for doing what is best for you and those little peanuts of yours. I wish you all the best.
Kaity says
I may cry (what an awkward weirdo). I feel like a complete creeper saying this, since you don’t know me from a bar of soap, but you guys have been a part of my life since I was living in teensy student accommodation while I completed my degree. Now I’m married, working full time, and we own our own home. You will be very much missed, but I’m so glad you have found the right move for your family. Best of luck and much love xoxo.
Susanna says
I want to thank you guys for such wonderful stories about your life. I’ve read your blog since the very start, all those years ago. You have shared so much! One of my favourite photos was recent with the birth story of Teddy xx Loved the photo of you Sherry with Teddy in your arms and Clara’s adorable face on the hospital bed. Thanks for all the adventures. Will so miss reading your blog, it was my favourite one. Love all the DIY work you guys do xx Love it!! Miss you too :)
Will look out for you on Instagram. Wishing you only the best for your new adventures xx love susanna from Sydney, Australia xx
Eveline says
Tot ziens! This is a goodbye from the Netherlands, I feel lucky to have found your blog a few years ago, I had so much fun! Your book and way to awesome Burger coathook will remind me of all kinds of cool things you did. And off course all the bikes we drive here and looking at a map, any map and weird ceramic animals in the thriftstore and, and, and…. You get the picture: all-day-instant-reminders-of-YHL-happiness! Good luck to you and your family, cheers on great new endeavors!
Janelle says
I respect your decision toswitch off. I’m glad to hear the archives will stay for a little bit. I will frantically save some articles for future reference (tiling, painting, drywalling etc.). I could see you guys doing videos on this for Home Depot or Lowe’s. I know that we’ll see great things from you guys, whether it’s in this space or not. Miss you already!! xx
Holly says
Thank you for the many years you’ve let us into your lives and home. We’ll miss you. You’ll always be my favorite bloggers. Good luck with your next adventure.
Silke says
You’ve made a pregnant woman (ugly) cry today :(
So sad !
Afiqah Sarbini says
So sad that you guys ending this but Im happy for your next adventures and you guys look happy! Wishing you all the best and nothing but love. :)
Ceara says
I’ll miss you guys, but I’m happy you found your happy place again. Enjoy it. :)
Robin Stephens says
You so don’t suck at ANYTHING…. You’re bright, energetic, committed, engaging, funny, hard working, and overall great examples of good spouses and parents…. You live life with great integrity. Nobody that sucks could have brought as much joy and love to so many from around the globe. Enjoy your new adventures guilt-free!
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
My husband just walked in and asked what was wrong. He has never read your blog but knew what I was talking about when I told him. I will miss your blog so much but wishing you all the very best in your next adventure. Thank you for giving me so much inspiration not just in my home but in my own blog. You guys are awesome!
Amy Dash says
Oh wow, I didn’t realize how much I’d miss you till now. Thank you for sharing your adventures, mishaps, passion, and talent for the past 80 months. I can’t recall exactly when I found you both.. it was pre-Clara and when we were in our first house (now in our 2nd) and I was looking for some DIY projects. I was hooked from the get go and thought it was cool we shared a wedding anniversary.
I also feel like I have watched a series finale as a previous poster already said and have been fighting tears for the last 30 min reading some of the wonderful well wishes from your ‘friends’… wishing you all the best and will fondly remember you every time I see a ceramic animal that is just calling out to be spray painted! Love Amy from Canada.
Frankie P says
I’m very sad to read your post but certainly understand your reasons. Your blog has been so much fun. You will be missed.
Christina P says
I’ve been following you guys since 2009, which means that my one way internet friendship with you is longer than my marriage! This feels like a friendship breakup, but I’m really happy that you are doing what’s best for you and your family. This is your life and you don’t owe strangers on the internet (albeit mostly friendly strangers) anything :). Keep being you and good luck in your future endeavors!! I’ll miss you!!
Barbara Moore says
I Only wish the absolute best for your precious family. I will miss you so. We’re all deeply grateful you allowed us into your life for so long. Your future is so BRIGHT!
Patricia says
Best of luck to your family in whatever your future holds! I have so enjoyed your posts and have been so inspired by all the work you’ve done – Thank You!
I’m glad you’re keeping the archives up for a while – I know I’ll be checking them out from time to time for inspiration. I do have one question, maybe it’s just wishful thinking, but I’ve been dying (okay, maybe not dying), but so very curious to see what you will do with your dining room. Without blogging all the details, do you think you’ll ever post more updated pictures on your House Tour Page again?
Kim says
I’m not going to lie, I wish you guys were just stepping back a bit (or a whole lot) and still doing updates after the completion of a major project or small update that had a huge impact (such as the grout painting). I can’t stress enough how valuable I find your DIY information. I’ve learned techniques and which products to purchase. How will I survive? *slowly watches house completely fall apart* Ok, maybe it’s not that bad. I’m still sad though. :(
Bets says
I’m selfishly so sad that you are no longer blogging because reading yours posts were such a bright spot in my day. However, I’m so glad for your family that you are doing what is best for you. Good luck, I hope you find balance and happiness.
Karen T. says
Thank you for sharing your lives with us. I know us non-bloggers can’t even begin to imagine the amount of time, effort and creativity it takes to run this beast of a blog. Wishing your little family only the best–especially the time and love that can now FULLY surround your lives.
Clarissa says
I’ve been following you guys from almost the beginning and you’ve become a nice part of my routine and day. It does feel like I’m losing a friend! I wish the best for you and your beautiful family and want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your hard work and for sharing your lives with us! I also had two kids and moved while reading the blog and it is really hard! You are making a hard decision but the right one and that is amazing! You will be so greatly missed! Thank you!! Much love, clarissa
Adriana F says
It’s been real. Best of luck in all that you do.
Sam Simeone says
I had too much to say for a comment, so I blogged about it (http://www.homesteadathomeinstead.com/when-a-blog-breaks-up-with-you/) – in short though, while I’m so sad (selfishly) for me, I wish you guys all the best and will miss you terribly. The internet won’t be the same without you. :^(
BeckyB says
Best of luck on your new adventures. I’m on my fourth (or maybe fifth) career change, so I know the feeling! Thanks for sharing with us for so long.
Amy P says
I feel like my favorite neighbors just moved off the block…I will miss hearing from you regularly, but hope to catch up every once in a while. Take care Petersik family!
Al Redding says
I feel like one of my best friends just moved out of town without a forwarding address… Best wishes and prayers for you finding what you want and need as a family.
Janine says
I decided to just not believe it…..because it brought a real tear to my eye… Of course I wish you all the best of the world….but I wil miiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiss youuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!! xoxo Janine
Sayre says
I have learned a lot from you guys – I’m sorry to see you go… especially since the kitchen isn’t finished yet! When you posted after painting the cabinets, I realized that what you were doing was my dream kitchen and I’d hoped to see that one through to completion. Personally, I’m hoping to start on my own dream kitchen during the winter break. Good luck in your future endeavors and know that you’ve touched so many people who needed that little extra inspiration to get started on their own house dreams.
katie says
I’ve enjoyed your blog so much. Thanks for sharing everything with us! I’m sad to see you go, but admire and respect the courage it took you to make this decision.
Amber Z. says
My heart leapt when I saw you guys in my inbox. Thought about you and missed you so much while you were away. Those that truly love you will be happy for you and wish you well…I am one of those people. You have brought so much joy, laughter and inspiration into my life and I will forever be grateful. Thank you and all the best to your sweet, beautiful family.
Sharon says
Ugh! Yours is the one blog I have read every day. You will be sorely missed. While there are lots of DIY and decorating blogs, I loved that you guys shared your thought processes as you went through your projects. Reveals are always jaw-dropping, but for me – a decorating-challenged individual – I loved knowing why you made the choices you made, what did and didn’t work. I wish you guys the best. If you decided to do a once-in-a-while update, I would love that too. :)
Kristen S. says
Y’all will be SO missed! Wishing you nothing but blessings and all the best during this next chapter of your lives. Please stay in touch via Facebook, etc. when you get a minute—we’ll all be waiting with baited breath! :)
Lindy says
I am so sorry to see your blog end but want you to know how much your blog has inspired me – especially since we have almost identical houses! I loved watching your transformations of your second house (because it is so much like mine!) and your post about painting the grout in your front foyer was life-changing for me! The backbreaking painting of the grout was worth it, and along with the addition of Rejuvenate Floor Protector (in case you haven’t tried it) applied to the slate, I was able to transform that room into a room that I love when I was once embarrassed by it because my floors were so ugly. Thank you, John and Sherry, for your inspiration and positive energy over the years. I will miss your blog so much! Much love to you and your beautiful family and I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. :) -Lindy
Stephanie says
Have only commented once or twice in the past six years I have followed you guys. I always related to you, being a graphic artist and surface designer myself. Thanks for all your inspiration on many levels, it has helped me explore new horizons. Wishing you all the best in this new chapter and hope to see you soon in your next gig!!
Sharon says
For all y’all grieving with me about this, I’d love you to check out my full-on YHL eulogy at http://www.allowmenyc.com/category/live/
Jessie G. says
Sure gonna miss you guys. I loved all your ideas. I sure hope you all return.
Stacey Morgan says
What a thrill to see Young House Love in my inbox this morning! :) Love the photo of your gorgeous family! I only send and wish you the very very best to whatever your future holds. Thank you for all the inspiration, humor and fun! Enjoy those beautiful children, they will grow up so fast!