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!!
Diana says
Dear John and Sherry, Thank you so much for sharing your lives, your beautiful children, your homes, and so much more with us. Of course we’ll miss you…how could we not? It is like dear neighbors moving far away. We’ll always keep you in our hearts, wish the best for you, and hope to hear from you from time to time. No matter what, it’s been an honor and privilege to read your blog! Wishing you a happy future!! Give Clara and Teddy extra hugs for us today.
Amy says
Aw, I’m so bummed! But all good things must come to an end, as they say. Thank you for all the great information, how-to’s, laughs, and inspiration over the last few years! This was a fantastic blog, you two did such a great job with it, and I wish you all the best! See you at a book signing? :)
Kelly H. NYC says
Not gonna lie. Totally sad to know that there will no longer be regular fixes of YHL. Having said that – thanks for everything. For sharing your lives, your home and all the stuff big and small and good and great. GOOD LUCK to you in your new adventures. You guys deserve nothing but the best.
Meg says
Feelings aren’t selfish, people. You’re entitled to your feelings. It’s ok to be sad. I think we all are. Love you, Petersiks, and rock on!!!!
Suse says
Sooo happy for you all. But my heart is heavy – will miss you terribly. Very best of blessings to you in everything to come. Hope to see you (read you) around some time…
Aurelie says
Just wanted to say thanks for all the inspiration over the years. I had a sinking suspicion a post like this was on its way after your post last month. I admit that it does feel like I’m losing friends, but I totally get it. Life changes so much with two little ones and finding the right balance for it all is an elusive goal. I am struggling with that myself right now too. I can’t imaging having to do it in a public way as you have had to. Not surprisingly you have handled it with grace and honesty. I truly wish you all the best and will miss checking in on your site daily to see what you are all up to. But I know there are great things ahead for all of you. Best of luck in your many exciting new adventures. PS. love the 12 hr later update. Always keepin’ it real! That’s why we love you guys so much!
Haley says
Ah! This makes me so sad but at the same time, I’m so happy for y’all! I’ve enjoyed this blog tremendously! Thank you for sharing your lives with us for so long! Y’all are wonderful and your daily life/DIY updates will be missed by the Internet/blogging world! Soak up those precious kids (Burger, included, haha) and best of luck with your next adventure! =)
Leigha Johnson says
I have been reading and loving your blog for around 3.5 years, ever since a co-worker of mine showed me Clara’s picture project. I hope it doesn’t sound silly, but your blog has meant SO much to me over the years. I have been so inspired by your outlook on life, your parenting style, and your obvious love for each other and your family. This is more than a DIY blog, it’s a lifestyle blog. Your blog has helped me through such challenging times, and I am eternally grateful for that. Keep being the amazing couple and family you are. Thank you for everything you have done for your readers over the years, especially us longtime fans! :) As a new wife (and hopefully mother one day), I want to keep your mentality on always putting happiness and family first. After all, that’s what is most important. Take care and I’ll miss you and your lovely family. .
best realtor in mcallen says
beautiful family picture you all looks so lovely and happy
Yalanda @ Laugh Anyway says
Wow…I’m so happy for you guys! But I’m so sad for Pinterest and DIY and general craftyness. You guys were the second blog I ever subscribed to way back in 2011. I stumped upon your blog while searching ‘backyard wedding’. After I clicked over, I was hooked! I spent days reading old posts to catch myself up on your lives. I’m really sad to see you go. It’s like the end of an era. You’re posts were always funny even when talking about serious things or your projects. I always thought your post titles were catchy too. I used so many of your tips and tricks when we bought our first home. I’ll never forget this blog. Good luck on your next adventure!
Bailey says
I was just thinking of you guys moments before I hopped onto Facebook and saw the link for this post. I’m definitely going to miss your blog, and the idea of you guys ever deciding to take down the archives um… terrifies me. There are so many amazing projects I read about on here and always had to tuck them into my memory files for when I eventually have my own home.
Haley T says
John and Sherry,
As one of your youngest readers (probably), thank you so much for sharing your lives with us for so long. I’m thankful that y’all were able to figure out what your family needs most right now.
I feel like I know you guys just from reading your blog every day. I hope to still see you on instagram and twitter occasionally, and you better believe I’ll be at your next book tour so I can meet y’all in real life!
Good luck with your new adventure!
Sydney says
Your family has been such an inspiration to my family. We love being creative and we’re always changing – your blog has provided the type of encouraging motivation we needed to keep the ball rolling. Thank you for sharing so much of your life. We’ll wade through old blog posts and enjoy your excellent ideas and captivating writing style. Congratulations on your decision! We hope you’ll feel confident in your new direction, because it will allow you to focus more on what matters most – each other.
Ola says
I will really really miss you guys. I will of course miss the inspiration for the house renovation projects, but even more the inspiration to work hard, to be professional, to think before spending, to stick to your principles, to be a parent… to be kind and not to take little things too seriously. And more than anything, your sense of humour! I love reading your posts and I consider your blog the most amazing gift that came my way through internet. You’ve inspired more people in the past few years than most people will for their entire life. You go and live your life now, free from constant monitoring and scrutiny of blog readers ;) Thank you for your blog and for sharing your life so generously. All the very best wishes to you, good luck. And thank you again!
Katie H says
I will miss you guys! Thank you for everything — I’ve been a reader for so many years now. I found you guys at the beginning of grad school, and now, 6 years later I am just about finished and so are you guys. It kindof works out! I selfishly hope you continue to keep the house tour page updated with pictures if nothing else — can’t leave us hanging on the blue trim. Or the master bathroom. Or the extra storage room upstairs. Anyway, good luck with your new adventures!!
Dawn says
I just want to say thank you for sharing your family and homes with us. I have followed your blog since before the start of your family and have really enjoyed it. Having 3 kids myself I can attest to how fast time flies. Two of our kids moved out and are going to college and our last is 11 years old. Snuggle your babies and enjoy the simple things in life. Good luck in whatever you decided to do in the future!!
P.S. Although I loved all of your home ideas, I particularly connected with Sherry’s story about her Aunt Kay passing away. My mom had passed away in March of 2012 and having come from a tight knit Italian family too, I wanted to thank Sherry for sharing something so personal. It helped me to heal in knowing that I wasn’t alone.
Anais says
So happy for you guys! Change is scary but awesome, and if you can see past the scary part, you’re already halfway there :D All the luck in your future endeavors, and thank you for the great happiness you gave me during 2+ years of reading you!
Love from Dubai,
Anais
Emily says
I’ll miss you guys so much, but I understand. Please know that you guys will always be in my tender thoughts. Thanks a million for years of inspiration and all the work and time and effort you put into this blog for us. You rock, and thank you for doing what feels right!! God bless you all.
JH says
You guys are awesome and have an amazing family! You will be missed! I wish you much luck in your new adventures and I am very excited for you! . I know things are going to turn out great for you two and those precious kiddos! As far as your home, now you can just enjoy and take time with your house and not feel the need to rush home projects for writing material. Live with a space for awhile and Never feel guilty about investing in higher end, higher quality pieces even if you have to wait for them. My mom says “buy cheap buy twice.” Ha! I have many empty rooms and wall spaces! Anyway, good luck!! You deserve all the best!
Shaina says
Hi!
I’m a longtime lurker of YHL but this is my first comment. I just wanted you to know how inspirational your blog has been for me and impacted the lives of those around me. As you may be aware, the city of Detroit has been hit particularly hard by the economic downturn, crime etc. and it’s left a lot of homes abandoned in various states of disrepair.
There are now lots of neighborhood driven initiatives-like the Grandmont Rosedale Project from which I bought my house-that renovate these homes to make the neighborhoods sustainable again. And what did I spy on the bookshelves in their offices? Your book.
So you’ve not only shared the beauty of your home and lives but helped people attain that beauty for themselves. Whether it was a new coat of paint or-as, in my case, a whole new house-you’ve made our lives better. I congratulate you for taking time off to do the same for your family.
Thank you and God Bless! :) ::Cue the violins, haha::
Christy says
Ugh! This is horrible! I mean, I do really understand, but I’m going to miss you guys so much! I just wish it wasn’t so sudden. I know you’ve been eluding to it for some time, but a few weeks ago, we were all happily and faithfully following your laundry remodel, and now, BAM – you’re gone. I guess I just wish we were kinda weaned off. After your break, I figured you’d come back with a hugely reduced posting schedule so you guys could pursue other “adventures” but still keep your readers in the loop. I wish that were the case! I am so sad that we don’t get to see your new house through. I was so excited for your kitchen and master bath reno. You guys really are the best of the best when it comes to blogging. You were the first blog I ever followed (I found your sight by searching wedding ideas when I was planning my wedding back in 2009 and have been faithful ever since) and you have set the bar for every other blog that I come across. I owe so many of my decorating and design ideas to you! I know it’s impossible for you to make everyone happy, so it’s great that you have made the decision you feel is best for your family, but Man – this really does feel like an unexpected break-up. Thank you for your dedication and always responding to reader comments/questions and for so many laughs. I will always have a special fondness for you guys and wish you the best, and I really hope for a re-emergence in the future! Xoxo!
Elizabeth says
I have to say I both understand (my 3rd baby is a week or so younger than Teddy) but at the same time I will miss you guys because I have really enjoyed following your adventures since your first house! I know all good things come to an end, but I hope that you can figure out a way to do something similar to this that maybe feels less overwhelming.
Jodi W says
Very. Very. Sad. It’s just completely uncomprehensible to think of you being gone. Please share on Instagram a quick picture here and there….just because we are all going to miss you like crazy and love your family to pieces! I wish you the best! (Sniff, sniff)
Jessica says
I still can’t believe it ended this way!! :( We’ll be here if you ever change your mind….(HINT, HINT). All the more reason to look forward to your book. You guys are the BEST at this. Keep us in the loop regarding any DIY, decorating or design forays that may cross your career paths. Best of luck. xoxo.
Marissa says
Just so you know, for the rest of my life I will think of you $herdog everytime I hear Eminem :)
Will miss you guys so very much!
JF says
I really can not blame you guys at all. I was wondering how long you could keep it up. I can totally see how it would get old after awhile and you would yearn to be out of the public eye. To me this just shows that you guys really are as “normal” and down to earth as you seem. Best to you all.
Courtney says
Thanks for letting us follow your life’s journey these past few years! I will very much miss you guys on the blog, but now might just have to buy your books so I can get my fix. ;) Best wishes on the new path you have chosen! You guys are the best!
Terri says
Goodbye, Young House Love. Will really, really miss you but you deserve to do something for yourselves and your beautiful little family that will make you happy.
Kathy says
Goodbye John an Sherry! I’m sad but know that all good things must eventually come to an end. Am wishing you an your family the best, as you both so deserve it!
Ainsilie H says
As a fellow Richmonder, it makes me sad to see this chapter of your lives are coming to a close. Thank you for all that you shared with us – you will be missed!
Erika Gibson says
I’m wondering what will happen to the forums? :(
I hope hope hope you guys keep updating us on Instagram. We’re closing on our first house on Nov 13th, fingers crossed, and I’ll definitely be referring back here and there for all sorts of ideas :)
Thank you for the past few years.
Morgana says
I won’t cry because it’s over. I’ll smile because it happened.
Thank you for sharing your gifts with the world.
OhEverythingHandmade says
Oh, I hope everything you guys are wishing for will come true. God bless you.
Thank you for all the amazing posts you wrote for us!
Betty
Susan K says
I love your site and have tackled many home projects, e.g. knocking out a wall, refinishing floors and currently laying new wood floors, because of the confidence I’ve gained from reading your posts. Please keep the blog archives going. I use them for projects and would even pay a subscription fee to use your site. Thanks for helping me make my own home and life more beautiful!
Elsa says
You all have created some really helpful and fun resources, and allowed us to feel personally close to you along the way. I feel so sad to see you go, but wish you all much happiness and peace in whatever you do next! Much love to you all!
JessiBee says
Everyone else has already said it but, yeah, this is like losing friends. I am, however, so happy for you guys deciding to find a new path to follow that will fit better with the life you lead now. This was obviously a really hard decision to make but I totally get it. Sigh. I’ll miss you, your kiddos and that Burger!
#stayintouch
gretch1118 says
I am reading this and cannot support you enough. I have been following your blog for the last 5 years and it has been so inspirational and exciting to read. You have made me feel like I have been on the hornet with you. About a year ago I inquired about starting my own blog and I was shocked and the warm supportive response I received. I think reading your blog has been my main inspiration and allowed me to really believe that it’s a possibility to share our renovation story with people. Thank you so much, wishing you all the best!!!
http://Www.houseonthefritz.com
Gretchen
joaday says
Oh no! Sad to hear this… I also thought you’d come back refreshed from the break with at least a compromise of far less frequent posts. This feels like friends are breaking up with us. I hope you change your minds. Best wishes to your sweet family xo
Courtney says
Saying I’m sad, doesn’t quite cover it. But I (and my group of friends) understand. You will be sorely missed. This site that I started my day with :) I just love you guys and hope you know how much your little following love you! Enjoy your babies and your time with them, I know they will be thankful in the long run that you will have more time with them and have your heart in something that you love. I think that is one of the most important things we can teach our kids :) I wish you nothing but the absolute best and that my mornings will ever be altered (again, it is TOTALLY understandable) and I will be looking for your next book! All the best, whatever you guys put your hearts into, I know you will rock at! So good luck! You will be missed :)
Stacy says
Never forget what you have accomplished! You made a living blogging in the 21st century! How cool is that?!?! My grandmother used to say that if endings were happy, there would be no beginnings. Best wishes on your new adventure and thank you for sharing yourselves with us.
Jeanna Bagley says
Say it ain’t so … I’ve been in denial for the past month, sneaking peeks back at the website missing your home projects, family updates and unique writing voices that make this blog a delight. I’ve been reading your blog since I was pregnant with my first child (2008), and got a chance to say a quick hello to you at a book signing in Atlanta. I’ll miss this, but hope and pray for the best for you on your amazing new adventure. Godspeed, Petersik Family!
Becky says
I have been reading your blog since the very beginning when it was called “This Young House,” along with some others like The Nester and The Lettered Cottage – all seemed to start around the same time, the same time I was staying home with my babies and kept my mind busy and healthy by working hard on projects around our home. You inspired me over and over again with color, light, beauty and creativity. Over the past 18 months or so I have been noticing more and more that my old favorite blogs were doing nothing but advertising and rehashing the same few ideas over and over again. Although I genuinely would not lump Young House Love into that group – I applaud and admire you for recognizing that things have run their course for you and it’s time to move on. Since bloggers do become friends to us readers, it has been hard watching other DIY bloggers try to continue on when it’s clear their hearts are no longer in it. Although I will miss you dearly, I say kudos to you for knowing what you need for your family. THANK YOU for all you have added to my life and my home!
Jackson Pearce says
I’ll miss you! Though there’s no need for updates on where you’ll be, how you’ll work, etc. I’m in an industry where the line between self and internet image is very thin; remember that this is YOUR life, and you don’t owe us anything. We appreciate what you’ve given, of course, and how much you’ve invited us into your lives, but they’re still YOUR lives! I’m happy for your new chapter, but my heart sank a little when you updated and added more explanation– go! Live! Adventure! And don’t feel badly for not telling us about it! :)
Kisha @ Design Intervention Diary says
I agree with every positive thing that was said about you guys. I also wanted to thank you for being so entertaining, raising the blogging bar, and for being so cool. I will never forget the day I wrote to you (not long after Teddy was born so I’m sure you were up to your eyeballs) with a blogging question and, Sherry, you wrote back almost immediately. It was like trying to contact {insert favorite celebrity, but definitely not Gwyneth Paltrow} and she writes back in under a minute in the nicest, “I totally have time for you,” way which means you guys are nice even when you’re not “on stage” blogging. I was very impressed. Good luck with EVERYTHING and I agree with the comment above mine: holiday posts would be awesome so we all know our YHL family is okay!
Gail Reilly says
Thanks for sharing so much with us. You two have been so authentic. If you do write up an annual holiday letter, please consider sending it out to all of us. You feel like extended family.
Felicia says
Thank you for turning me on to paint colors such as Moonshine (my kitchen); Cloud Cover my kitchen cabinets; showing me how to sand degloss prime and paint throw right way; you have helped me start and finish lots of projects and with the 1st book and anticipated 2nd book I’m sure I will use your ideas and instructions to complete many more:) good luck and thanks again!!
Sarah says
So sad that we won’t get to see the Phase 2 kitchen remodel! Best of luck to you!
Melissa says
Just want to send you all my best. Good luck with everything!
Anita says
I will miss you guys so much! Is it strange that I most was looking forward to hearing about life with Teddy? What it’s like to balance life with two kids, how to handle two different sleep schedules, nursing, cloth diapers, etc. As my daughter grows up, I’m looking forward to experiencing my own version of Clara conversations! Wishing you all the best. Thank you for sharing your lives and experiences with us. (I also secretly wish there was a ‘where are they now’ for bloggers so I can see where you guys end up in 10 years!)
Adrienne says
I have goosebumps! Bye guys… You’ll be missed!