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!!
Holly says
This feels a lot like hearing that your best friend at work just accepted an awesome new job out of state. I’m so happy for you that you’re embarking on new, exciting adventures with your family but gosh-darn am I going to miss you. I teared up as I was reading this but I’m also sending you all a big o’ goofy, teary yet smiling hug. Thank you for sharing so much of your passion and your lives with us for so long — you’ve been a huge inspiration. Best of luck on whatever path you take next. :’)
Beretta says
Oh, and just so you know, during your break I refinished a rusted wrought iron furniture set I pulled out of my neighbors trash, and started my own blog! The furniture looks great and my blog gets about 2 – 6 hits/day :( haha!
-still crying about this
Abbey says
I kind if expected this but am still so incredibly sad to lose you guys. Good luck moving forward xo
Karen S says
So sad…don’t even know how to say the feelings that I have for people I’ve never met ~except very creepy~ I’ve LOVED reading your blog! It’s the one place I go to live vicariously through you and your DIYing genius. (Not being a DIY type couple, my husband and I.) It’s my shameless addiction to watch the success and struggle of a beautiful family tackle life, decor and Sheetrock with incredible talent and brilliance. What will I do now? So weird, I know, to say you feel like family. I am already missing updates on the next house project, the convos with Clara, Burger’s austere behaviors and Teddy’s newest adorable noise and accomplished milestone. So happy for you guys and incredibly humbled to have enjoyed your family since finding your blog years ago. Hoping for sneak peeks wherever they come: IG, Twitter, FB…you guys rock!!!
Angie @ CCC says
Best of luck seriously!! I wanted to let y’all know that you totally inspired me to use a printer’s tray in our mudroom. :) Since you couldn’t find one….I did. HA!! http://www.thecountrychiccottage.net/2014/10/farmhouse-style-mud-room-organization-ideas.html
Dayna says
You will be missed. But congrats on making this hard decision and following your heart. Sending you lots of well wishes! :)
Priscilla says
What a courageous decision and hats off to you two! You only get “one wild and crazy life” and I completely understand that you want it to be “lived” and not “blogged”. With grandchildren now, I can tell you that the years will fly by and you will never regret this. Am I sad for us readers? Definitely, but you go live your sweet lives and we will be around if you ever decide to post again.
In the meantime, since you may not be able to keep the blog up forever, what about a book composed of your best posts? I have been reading for the whole 7 years and would love to have a book of that!! Best wishes for a lovely life ahead!
Jenna says
Oh, you GUYS! Oh course, I totally, completely understand. But…ugh. You all are one of the few blogs that I read everyday and it’s so hard to think this is it. ::so sad:: However, I KNOW that you’ve got to do what is best for you and your family. I wish you ALL of the very, very best. Thanks for being real and honest. May life hold some great adventures for your beautiful family!
Suzanne says
So happy to see a post!!! But will seriuosly miss this blog, I understand things will be different now, but I’ll probably still faithfully check for those random updates. Love you guys and your crazy awesome talents!
Lisa says
Like almost everyone else, I will really miss you. Thanks so much for inspiring me in many ways, making me laugh, sometimes making me cry and just serving up a nice side of entertainment.
But above all, best wishes on your future and your time with your lovely family.
Katharina says
First thought: wehey, you’re back.
Second thought: ooooooh nooooooooo :-(
Can’t put my words together properly, so in short: thank you for everything. May God bless your family. Live in peace and happiness. May Clara and Theo grow healthy. Have a wonderful life
Ginger Dunham says
This is So so sad. I have so enjoyed reading about you, your family and really walked through life with you. I will miss you.
Lyndsay says
You were the first blog I ever read so I blame you for my ongoing obsession with blog reading. I wish you all the best and Thank You for hilariously sharing as much of yourselves and your projects as you did. I have learned and saved on so much because of the blog. Whatever you choose to do you will excel-the very best of wishes for you all!
TishaA says
I know it’s totally selfish of me…but I’m so sad right now. :(
Betsy says
I am sooo disappointed that you won’t be posting anymore – you guys are awesome and yours is my favorite blog, it’s always the one I look for. But I agree with you, and everyone here, that you have to do what’s best for your family, that’s what life is about. I wish you all nothing but the best and much happiness in your future endeavors. xoxo
Jessie says
Will you still be around Facebook or Instagram? I’m so sad I won’t be able to watch those sweet babies grow. Like everyone else, I feel like I’m losing a friend. :(
JenB says
Wow. I can’t express how disappointed (and a little sick) I am that this was your decision. We’ll miss you. I’ll miss the inspiration and your positive, happy outlook on DIY & life. Good luck to you all.
melissa says
I missed my daily dose of your DIY and decorating adventures so much that it inspired me to start my own blog! I’m sad to see you go, but so incredibly grateful for the inspiration you gave me to go out and start my own decorating adventures. Wishing you and your family all the very best! You will be missed! (tickledinnyc.com – it’s still a baby, but if you ever miss your teeny NYC apt days I’d love to hear your creative thoughts and ideas!)
Alexis R. says
I wish you guys the best of luck, but this is extremely sad. Does it really have to be all or nothing? I mean, can we at least still be friends? You guys could just post projects here and there and updates here and there.
And if we really do have to break up. Can you at least drop in every once in a while to say what you’re up to?
Sorry, I’m just not taking this well.
kristinsmithcreative says
John & Sherry, Thank you for opening up your house and your lives to all of us over the past few years. I have greatly enjoyed learning about all of your endeavors and getting to know you via the blog. I will miss keeping up with you but am glad you are doing what is best for you and your family. Best of luck!
Erin says
I want to start off by saying thank you. Because of your blog doing home improvement projects myself has become a whole lot less scary. As my absolute favorite blog saying that I will miss you guys is an understatement but I understand why you’re leaving. I wish you the best on your next adventure and can’t wait to read your next book!
Rachel says
This makes me immensely sad but also happy that you have figured out what is best for you and your family right now. I just wish I knew what is was! I’m going to miss your over sharing, your humor, and your great ideas! You both have inspired me so much with my own home and I look forward to tackling some more diy projects that you’ve given me the confidence to do. I wish you the best of luck in your next adventures! And if you ever feel like sharing, your loyal readers will be here patiently waiting :)
Ashley cerny says
Will miss your blog so much! Have even reading since it was this young house!! Pretty please at least stay on Instagram a little so we can “keep in touch”! Good luck with whatever is next!
Natasha says
I’ve loved reading your blog, learning from you and most of all, being included in your family milestones. Best of luck!!
Alison Corigliano says
I couldn’t NOT comment. You guys have been an inspiration, obviously to so many people. Thank you for sharing your lives with us. I will very much reading…well anything that the both of you write. You’re both very amazing people. Good luck on your next adventure and journey.
Michelle O. says
I will most definitely miss you guys and this amazing blog. It has most definitely been a source of inspiration and I have loved every moment you have shared with all of us. Yet, absolutely do what is best for your family! Wishing you the best the luck and happiness in your new adventures! :)
Allison says
So sad to see you go. I’ve learned so much from you both! I started reading your blog when I was off on maternity leave (almost 5 years ago) and became hooked! I just finished my mat leave with my 2nd child. You will definitely be missed! Best of luck in the next chapter of your lives! Love and hugs from Canada!
Laura says
Thank you for sharing your life with me. I truly felt that you were the most genuine home blog around. I think your unpretentiousness is what contributed to your success. Never lose that. Oh man, I feel like I’m signing a yearbook. So I guess all that’s left to say is “stay cute, stay cool, have a fun summer” . . . Or something along those lines. :)
jana says
YHL was the first big blog that I read… And after a few years I am happy that you guys are moving to new things. I am embracing new adventures too… but my adventure might sound familiar… finally Ive got my head around and start my blog. No more just reading now is my time to start creating! Check it you have a second:
http://www.thenovember.co
and if not (cause I know u guys probably are super busy and there are lot of comments in the post) I wish you the best of luck and all my love.
See you soon
Jana
Melanie Suzanne says
So sad! Is it weird that I texted my friend to see if she read this post, and also so we could discuss our sadness about it? You guys have always been my favourite bloggers (young house love was one of the first blogs I started reading), and I wish you all the best in your new adventure! Congrats on making such a big important decision for your family :) much love!
laura says
I think it’s obvious that we all love you and would want nothing but the best for your family. BUUUUUT, I for one am going to miss you terribly….you were my morning procrastination at work! :) Mostly, I will miss seeing what you guys as a family are up to and watching your beautiful kids grow. Maybe a weekly or monthly update?! Just a subtle hint. ;) Good luck with your future….I will always be a fan! XO :)
Renée A. says
I have loved having Young House Love as part of my life. Fresh beginnings are such a beautiful thing and I wish your amazing family all the best!
Shannon says
Bon Voyage Petersiks! Thanks for all you’ve shared and taught us these past 7 years! Best of luck!
Annelies says
Looking at the updated House tour of the current house, you guys have been busy !! Love how the office turned out. I guess it goes a lot quiker without having to take photos and write about it. Have fun finishing up the house !
Kirstie says
Way to go! Proud of you guys for doing the right thing for your family. All of your readers will miss this blog, but your absence should encourage us to keep having DIY/decorating adventures of our own! Best of luck to you, and thank you for all you’ve shared!
Jamie Vogel says
I have to admit, I got a little teary. Good luck you guys! I hope this isn’t the last we see of your great family. <3
Ladizzle says
Wishing you all the best things in life! Thank you for sharing so so much with us! Hope you pop in now and then! Enjoy all that lies ahead!
Tara S says
I’ll first say that I will truly miss reading your posts every day. You have been a big inspiration for taking on DIY projects in my house and have given me great guidance. I thank you for that. My husband constantly here’s me say, well my blog friends suggested doing it this way. hehehe
I’ll end by saying I’m proud of you. It’s very hard to make the decision you have made. People should be inspired by you making this decision. Always going after your dreams and looking for the next adventure. Your life is following the book “Who moved my cheese?” Have you read it?
Here are the writing on the wall from that book:
Change Happens: They Keep Moving The Cheese
Anticipate Change: Get Ready For The Cheese To Move
Monitor Change: Smell The Cheese Often So You Know When It Is Getting Old
Adapt To Change Quickly: The Quicker You Let Go Of Old Cheese, The Sooner You Can Enjoy New Cheese
Change: Move With The Cheese
Enjoy Change!: Savor The Adventure And Enjoy The Taste Of New Cheese!
Be Ready To Change Quickly And Enjoy It Again: They Keep Moving The Cheese.
Good luck on all your new adventures. You will be very missed!!
Tara from NJ
PS….Hope to see you in NJ/NY for your book tour next year :-)
Kayla AKA Kilo Bravo says
I didn’t comment a month ago – and honestly I have never been a big commentor – but knowing comments are freezing soon I just want to say what a pleasure it has been to tag along in your lives for so many years. I even got to meet you briefly at your book signing in NYC – and no joke – that is still one of my favorite moments in my life. Just to echo some of the sentiments from others, it really does feel like I am losing some great friends, but I also understand and applaud you for once again – being so courageous in taking control of your lives and doing things for yourselves again, just as you did a few years ago when you left the security of your desk jobs to focus on this little ol’ blog. I truly wish you all the best of luck – and can you at least come back on Halloween every year to show us the costumes you’ve made for Clara and Teddy??
Thank you for all of the “oversharing” (that always felt like just enough sharing to me), the insanely detailed and long posts that would give me a great break from work at 10 and 2 every day, and for all of inspiration and courage to DIY anything and everything in our homes. I don’t think you guys will every truly understand what you have contributed to the blogosphere and to the DIY movement. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
And if you ever want to be friends IRL, just let me know :-)
Bikey says
Seven years ago when I was still in the Philippines trying to redo my apartment, google led me to your site and I’ve been hooked ever since. Fast forward to today, I am now living in San Antonio, TX with two kids of my own and still a big fan and miss my daily morning read for the past month. You have been an inspiration and will be surely miss by the blogosphere. Thank you for sharing your house and your family with us. May God bless you on your next adventure. See you later!
danica says
oh goodness~feeling rather (selfishly) sad at this news. Best of everything to you and your gorgeous kiddos! Will miss your posts and will keep an eye out for the new book! Until we meet again!!!
Michele says
This is sad. I really have to delete you off my bookmarks now :(
Good luck with your new adventures.
Liz says
Curious what the next steps outside of blog life are?? I think because we all like to know that this little family we “know” will be okay :) Are you returning to the advertising world?
Katie says
I’ve been hearing this the last few weeks: Sometimes you have to say “No” to GOOD things, so you can say “Yes” to even better things. It’s something I’m working on too, with two little ones. So, I completely understand and respect your decision. But I’ll miss you guys!
Chris k in Wisconsin says
I am very sad. But I do understand. Hope you will occasionally post of FB maybe once every few months. It is so silly, but I think about you and the kids & Burger, too! “Never say never” and that is what we will hope for!!
melliepete says
Good luck and have fun. Your archives are really so helpful to diy dummies, so thanks for keeping them available to us! We have really used them about ten times for projects in our old crazy house. To be honest, my blog-reading time has nearly diminished over the past year (after I had my second child, too!) so it seems like the Golden Age may be ending. A sad day, but nothing gold can stay. :)
Erica says
For years your blog has not only been a diy/redecorating inspiration for me, but has been a daily part of my breakfast routine. Something that I do just for me in the midst of crazy mornings getting the kids ready for school. Thanks for being a place of inspiration and positivity in my life! Best of luck on whatever is next. I selfishly wish I could watch it unfold on your blog :-)
Jen says
So bummed, but as a business professional turned SAHM (…2 weeks before I was supposed to go back to work, lol) I so understand. Thank you, without your blog I would have never had the courage to buy the house that is our home. You were an inspiration, with your DIY tasks AND with you parenting tidbits etc. I even loved your Babycenter stuff. Since reading your blog I have moved cities, married, bought a house, and had a little girl… so believe me, I understand how much you can change as a person over 7 years and how much priorities can, and should shift. Best wishes and good luck.
p.s. it will be so hard resisting the impulse to check in over here at naptime. :) Thanks for everything. Enjoy those kiddos, it goes by far too fast.
Isabelle says
We will miss you! If possible, please keep the archives up for as long as you can!! I’ve been living in an apartment while following your blog and can’t wait to refer back to your more intensive projects/tutorials when I have a home of my own :-)
I have no idea how much it takes (read “costs”) to keep archives supported (I vaguely remember you saying your monthly server bill was more than your mortgage!), so I understand if it can’t last forever… but I hope it can :-)
Heather says
Wow. Congratulations!! I wish you all the best. Thanks for the tips and tricks, and all the fun funny times. (I do wonder if you’d ever been willing to pass the Young House Love mantle onto a new couple? I’m not volunteering personally, but it could be cool.)