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!!
Allie says
Good for you, guys. I’ve been struggling with a decision in my own life recently that makes yours really ‘relate-able.’ It’s so tough when it’s something you really enjoyed, and still enjoy at times, and are maybe even pretty darn good at, mixed with a desire not to disappoint anyone, guilt over other priorities, etc. But at the end of the day, you know when you know that it’s time to walk away…when even the fun and rewarding times or the potential for future success/financial stability don’t erase your doubts. You guys will be great at whatever your future holds. You were the first blog I ever read and then read regularly, though my own life in the last few years has made checking in frequently much harder. I will miss your posts, but, truly: Thank YOU for sharing so much over the years.
P.S. People really need to get a grasp on reality if they’re treating this like you’re breaking up with them or abandoning them. Seriously people! Step away from the screen!
Amy S says
Agree with every single bit of this comment. Very well said!
Suzanne says
Going through this same thing myself right now. The “fun” only delays what you know in your heart you need to do.
vee says
Peace to you and your family -you are living the life you want, and that is wonderful!
Melissa Miller says
Thank goodness! Now all you need to do is sell your current home so you can have privacy once and for all. Best wishes to you all.
T says
:( I have enjoyed your blog for many years! Thank you so much for inspiring me – I have actually completed a few projects! I will be copying and pasting in the near future (I have been wanting to do the bedroom bookshelf thing for years). I think that was your first house? Anywho, I’ll miss your writing style and house projects!!!! THANKS! Please keep our email addresses and send us a note if you return in a year or decade. :)
christinathorne says
I was a reader of your blog long before I even had a home to update. I really enjoyed your posts, and I can’t tell you how many times I pulled your website up to show my husband something awesome you guys did that I want to do in our own home. Thanks for all the great ideas, DIY projects, and for letting us share in the last 80 months of your lives. I’ll sure miss you.
Amanda says
Goodbye and God Bless!
Mindy says
I haven’t read all 30 pages of comments, so someone else may very well have made this suggestion, but I would love to have permanent access to the archives, and would absolutely be willing to pay for it. Your blog has often been my go-to when starting a new project, because I have found your tutorials to be the most comprehensive but simple. Maybe there is a way to create an ebook for different content archives? There is obviously way too much to compile all into one!! Or a way to pay to download individual posts for permanent access? I’m sure someone more Internet-savvy could come up with a workable option!
Maria says
Oh, that’s a great idea! I would also be willing to pay to have permanent access to your archives. I am still living in a rental (saving up for a house deposit), so I am limited in what I can do, but golly, that day when I FINALLY (!) have my own home, there is going to be so much I will be doing to it! And your tutorials are awesome.
Vicky Sempeles says
THANK YOU FOR SO MANY YEARS OF YOUR WONDERFUL BLOG! BRAVO, WELL DONE!
Sarah says
Another appreciative reader for the past 5 years! I’ve never commented but have checked your site on a daily basis since discovery. I’ve had two little ones in similar timing to you and recently purchased our first home. You have inspired my interests and hobbies as a home owner and parent; I delved into cloth diapering based on your recommendation and have loved it. As a career lady (engineer) and a mom, I’ve been so impressed by your work ethic and all you’ve accomplished while maintaining a positive, down-to-earth and humorous perspective; not to mention your sanity with two little ones. Thanks for five years of great content. The best to you in your next adventure!
Alex says
Wow. I’m actually in tears reading this right now. It’s like when your favorite TV show has its finale, but you still feel like they are coming back next season. Maybe a reunion episode rumor can get started? ;) Good luck Petersiks! Thank you for your awesome blog, your joy of oversharing, love of ceramic animals, sharing your personal lives, and most of all for always being a positive space on the Internet. I will especially miss that last part!
ChristyS says
You will be missed! Thank you for attempting to keep the archives for as long as possible. Your tutorials are just an invaluable resource for the average sometimes DIYer! I will miss the house tour updates – seeing your home evolve was fun and it was a privilege to be invited into your lives as parents. Best of luck in your endeavors; you are both so talented that I know you will be successful in your new paths.
SherryB says
All the best to you, Petersiks, you’ll be missed. All five of you.
Mahareen says
Happy for you, but gotta say this is SAD :(((( I’ll miss you and your little family, and I truly hope you’ll check in with us from time to time! Thank you for updating Teddy’s weekly pics, what a handsome little dude. Hope you will continue to update it – and maybe a Teddy Conversations later – pllleaaasee pretty please?? And maybe you could do an yearly house tour or general update… OK ok, obviously I am pulling at straws here ;) Best wishes for your new adventures, I have SO enjoyed following your blog for almost 5 years xoxoxoxoxo
Joyce says
Despite loving your blog, I admire your decision. Time is precious with your children and promoting family first is something I have never regretted in my own life. Wishing you much success in whatever you choose to do!
katie says
nooo! I am lost!
But really, you have given us so much and owe us nothing. We, the readers, owe you guys deep gratitude for your creativity and inspiration.
Colleen says
Congrats, you guys!! Thanks for sharing your adventure with us. Excited for your family and whatever crazy, amazing, all-in chapters come next! Best wishes.
Donna says
Life is a journey. Thanks for sharing part of yours with us. Moving on is bittersweet but necessary. You’ve got a lovely family and I hope your next adventure is as fulfilling.
alo says
I had never left a comment before and I have been following you guys for about a year. I just want to say you guys have really inspired me and I wish you guys the best!!
Nancy K says
Best of luck to you all as you move on to new adventures! Life doesn’t stand still … making changes is what it’s all about. :)
Thanks for keeping the archives going. I to, would pay to keep them up for reference. I always come here first for ideas … haven’t got a creative bone in my body and am very thankful for all the internet bloggers that are willing to share theirs … especially you two.
Again, good luck John, Sherry, Clara and Teddy!
Holly says
Best of luck to you! This is the only blog that I follow and am so sad to see you go but thanks for all that you’ve done.
Pat says
Thank you for sharing so much for 80 months! You have blessed us in major ways so now we send you our very best wishes and brightest blessings for your future. You have to do what’s best for your family, whether we like it or not. :)
If possible, try to drop in every few months for an update! We hope to see a Christmas post ~
xo
Pat
Kelly says
We’ll miss you! I wish that you could have found people that you could trust to run the YHL brand with you so that it could live on!
Without that, though, you’re doing the right thing for your family. I agree with the above suggestion to sell your current place and find another one so you can truly have privacy and start fresh. All the best to you, Petersiks.
Helen says
Aw you guys, I’ll miss you! You’ve done an AMAZING job, thank you so much!!!
KyCat says
Will miss you terribly but wish you all the best in the future. When our kids leave anywhere (grandma’s house, the car for school, really anywhere) we yell bon voyage many many times. So Bon Voyage! Bon Voyage! Bon Voyage! Bon Voyage!
nancy says
I totally get it and I’m totally sad. You guys were my first DIY/design blog and always, always my favorite. You set the bar high, my friends. I’m sure you will continue to keep that bar high in your next adventures too! Good luck. I really will miss checking in every day.
Alex says
Thank you for the inspiration over the years – I will certainly miss your updates and the detailed play-by-play. As a few people have already commented, I would also love to have the ability to purchase the blog archives in some sort of permanent form. Your site is the first thing I check for inspiration and instruction, so having those would be huge!
Joanne says
Good for you guys! You are doing what’s best for you and your family and that is understandable. It’s been a great run. God bless you and your family. Wishing you blessings in your new endeavors!
Judy says
Thanks for sharing your lives with us! So glad I started reading when I did. Best of luck to you! <3
Gail says
Best wished to you. One of the first posts I read was about your visit to Playland at Rehoboth. I will still be looking for you there! Ha, ha.
Chris says
I wish you guys the best of luck, but boy am I gonna miss you! Thank you so much…for everything.
shrabchuk says
Well, I’ll miss you guys a lot! Thanks for being a happy part of my day for so many years.
kate schneider says
You both are inspirational. Thank you for such a great run, great tips, lots of photos, lots of jokes, and for being you. Peace!
Kim C says
I totally understand and support your decision – 100%. But…like everyone else, I am seriously bummed. Yours was my favorite blog. You don’t know how many times my husband and I reference your how-to posts when tackling projects around our house. Or look to you for inspiration when feeling blah or stuck. There are, literally, no other bloggers I trust more for advice, reviews, recommendations, etc. And even though I too sensed that something was a little off the last few months, I still LOVED your blog and looked forward to reading it every day. I’m getting a little teary here (don’t worry…I’m overly-emotional like that).
Like everyone else, I hope you still post to Instagram occasionally – I’d love to see updates to your house and cute pics of the kids. To your long-time followers, this is going to be like losing touch with an old friend. So. Sad. Good luck with everything in the future – you guys are awesome and will be awesome at whatever you decide to do.
Sheralyn says
CONGRATULATIONS! It’s been a good run – will miss your posts but seriously so happy for you to be ending at a time that feels right for your family. Well done! And, ALL THE BEST PETERSIK’S!
Urska says
Thank you for every single post you’ve published over last years and all the best in your Future! You will be missed! Greetings from Slovenia!
Heyruthie says
It’s been an awesome ride that I’ve been on with y’all, ever since you were TYH. Come back any time. You are loved.
Sarah Tudor says
I’ve read this blog for a long time, but I’ve never commented. I just wanted John and Sherry to know how smart and inspiring their work is. It has been a privilege to read this blog!
Rosemary says
You have done a wonderful job with this blog – congratulations and best of luck in this next phase. Thank you for all your hard work and professionalism. You are an inspiration!
Dayna W says
Do you think you could continue to post updates on the House Tour page as you continue to renovate? I was eagerly awaiting your kitchen renovation! Would still love to see how you transform that space :)
Jill says
I have to admit, I always thought when you guys decided to hang up the ol’ blog, it would be a weeklong extravaganza with videos and infographics! A little haven in my day is gone. :( I’ll mourn on my own time. Good luck!
Suzanne says
Sad face. Can we all come over for dinner or drinks on the porch, sometime? You know, for old time’s sake?
Kelli says
I’ve been a follower since House #1. You guys will be missed and I appreciate you opening up your daily lives to your readers for so long. Hope your next adventures are just as successful and you are able to enjoy your time as a family of four (five including Burger!).
anna whiston-donaldson says
Best wishes to your beautiful family! It has been wonderful to share this journey with you. XOXOX
Jennifer says
Good bye, good luck, congratulations, and thank you: it’s all been said by others, but it’s worth repeating. Just a couple years ago I knew very little about DIY, design, etc. For the most part, DIY never even occurred to me as a possibility. When it did, I didn’t have the confidence to attempt a project. We lived with our honey oak trim for five years, hating it every day, because I didn’t know we could paint it. Seriously. Then one day I happened across a blog, which ultimately led me to yours. I fell in love. And painted the trim white. Since then we’ve been updating our house one project at a time. Thank you for the inspiration, for the laughs, and for sharing your lives so generously with us all. Congratulations on the wonderful success you’ve achieved so far, and best wishes as you begin your newest adventure. You will be missed!
happybidr says
Well I guess it is welcome to my work-at-home world! I’m not surprised, given the extraordinary standards you created for yourselves. It’s kind of weird to have so built up this brand to just leave it. I would have tried to bring it with me, but in a new, different way. But, more power to you. I’m a lot older so I’ve been through these periods you’re going through, in family, and career. I’m sure with your talents you’ll be finding things to do that will bring you the change you seek. Best of luck to you. Please leave the site up for a year or two at least, so I can get answers to my how to questions, if you would.
Turn the world upside down! And have a blast, enjoying a more “normal” life. Don’t give up on the books. And think about doing a TV show at some point, now that you’re going to be blog free. That could be great fun, too, and a way to continue to keep your “fans” happy.
See ya around!
Cynthia says
Best wishes to you! Thank you offering a lovely blog to us for the past few years :)
Jenny says
This is sad news for all of us who have followed you for so long. Best wishes to all of you as you move ahead with new adventures. If you decided to come back to blogging, we’ll pretend this whole goodbye thing never happened so keep that in your back pocket ;)
CE says
I just bought my first house and you breaking up with me just when I need you the most??! Nooooooo!!!! :( Ok, now that my mini breakdown is out of the way–I’ll be serious for a moment…THANK YOU John and Sherry for opening up your lives to all of us strangers as you have all these years. You have given me immeasurable amounts of laughter and joy watching you go on this journey. Not to mention the awesome project ideas (and just all around awesomeness)! I see how I’m not alone in feeling so sad, and I’m glad that others feel the same because I feel a little silly and creepy feeling like this over these awesome people I don’t really know in actual real life! So, with that, I will just wish you and your adorable family all the love, luck and health in the world and the very best of all things in your new adventures. I will very sorely miss you! xoxoxo
A says
Good for you! “So throw off the bowlines …”
I read and enjoyed for years, but you don’t owe any of us a word more.
It’s your life to live … Enjoy the new adventures!
Jesse May says
Aw, I feel like crying! And at the same time, I feel like taking a deep breath right along with you, and looking forward to the new adventures right around the corner in my own life. God bless you guys!