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!!
Nella says
Enjoy the kids.
Cris says
:( How sad. You will be very missed! You have a beautiful family and I wish your family all the best in the world!
Amber says
We’ve missed you so much the last month and will miss you in the future. Please, please, please at least share some before and after pictures as you update the house- even if it’s just on facebook. And we would love to know when new products/books are available so we can support you in that way if possible. Best of luck on all your adventures!
Amber says
And thanks for updating Teddy’s photo project! He’s just adorable :)
Jane says
So long, farewell, auf weidersehen, good luck!
AnnM says
I knew this day would come and I’m so sad for myself but so happy for the Petersiks! You have inspired me, taught me, encouraged me, told me I could do it, showed me how to do it… I’m one small voice in a sea of a kajillion and I know I don’t stand alone. Thank you Sherry and John! All the best in your next great chapter. May all your wishes come true! Or at least 3 big ones! Or 2 big ones and 1 medium! OK, well even maybe 2 mediums and 4 smalls! Aw, heck – just enjoy and if you ever have a wackadoodle icky day or moment, just know that all over this here planet are earthlings that love and appreciate all that you’ve done and feel happy and grateful when they think back upon those YHL years. xo
Mary Ann says
Best of luck to you both and a happy life!
Christie says
Good for you! Truly, a good decision to make your family a priority.
pebbles says
nooo!! i thought we were (one-way) friends! you all will be missed.
Sandy says
My heart leapt when I saw YHL in my feed, only to find my hopes dashed upon reading this. Should be charitable, understanding, and kind, but I’m not feeling it yet. Call it my first stage of grief.
But I started reading the blog world with you guys, so now maybe it’s time for me to exit it too? Probably spent too much time reading anyway. It’s been a wild and crazy ride.
Would you consider doing us a favor and updating your house tour whenever you finish your dining room? I have enjoyed identifying the new touches in some of your other rooms this afternoon.
Best wishes and love to you all! Have a nice life!
Lakitia says
I’m going to miss you guys soooooooooooooooooooooooooo much. Nobody comes close to your sense of style for your home and your writing style. I’ve learned so much from you. I guess I need to get on some of my projects before your archive goes away. Oh. I’m so sad :-(
Dalia says
Will miss you guys! It’s pretty obvious that you have been/will be missed by so many! 800 comments in less than a day of so many saying how you’ll be missed! Best of luck in everything with sweet little (but not so little) Clara and Teddy!
Zoe says
Best of luck you guys! I have really missed your posts this last month, and had hopped you’d be back, but I guess that is not to be. I’d like to say thank you for your tutorials, which have helped my husband and I with our new house. Hope the future is bright and full of fun stuff for you 5 (Burger included!).
Yetunde (@mytwintopia) says
Best of luck guys. It was fun and a blessing watching you grow as a family
Bluenoser says
Sherry and John, you guys are the reason I had the guts to do all the decorating in my new house. Thank you for everything. Your influence spreads far to the north!
Stefanie says
Thanks so much for sharing so much of your lives for so long. It’s been a wonderful ride! Best of luck to you on your next adventure! Keep in touch! :)
Dale says
I have been reading your blog religiously since I discovered it 4 or 5 years ago, and it has long been my favorite. I am SO SAD to see you guys go but I totally respect your decision and I’m sure you won’t regret it. These years when the kids are young will go by so fast, and I know you guys will be glad you made the most of them. I will miss seeing your adorable family but this gives me even more reason to look forward to your next book! Best of luck to you in all you do!!
Georgia says
I feel like my friend doesn’t want to be friends any more. :(
Sad about this, but i understand the pressure your under.
Kelly says
First, thanks for introducing me to the world of DIY/design blogging! When we bought our house, I googled ‘how to paint’ (something?) and your blog popped up and then you lead me on this great adventure and introduction (with your ‘Blogs we Love’ sidebar) to people who love ‘making home’ as much as I do! I’ve so enjoyed your enthusiasm, your beautiful babies, and your light, big-hearted approach to creating a home and family (including this giant world wide web family you created : ) Thanks again for creating these connections and sharing so much of yourself! As a mother of three grown children, I think you are making a great choice for yourselves and your sweet kiddos! Sending love and blessings to you Petersiks! Bon Voyage!
Jamie says
I just teared up. Like so many others, your family has become like friends to me. I will miss following your journeys but am thrilled for you that you feel a peace with what’s next. Thank you for sharing your lives with us, your loyal readers for so many years!
Carrie says
….April fools? After all these years of enjoying your blog, I literally just closed on my first house today. I need you guys! Don’t go!
Kristin says
You guys will be missed! I feel like I know you! I, too, have been following you for years. I’ve watched you work on your three houses and have two kids. Your and Katie’s blogs were must reads on my daily list. Thanks for sharing with us. Good luck in your new adventures!
Stephanie says
I’ll miss you and seeing what happens in your beautiful family’s life. Best of luck!
Amy L. says
So very sad. The end of an era. BUT exciting for you all and I hope you’ll share a bit about where life takes you. I feel like I’m losing a family member.
Also, PLEASE keep the archives up for like twenty years. ;)
Jennifer says
I will miss reading this blog every day! I always enjoyed your posts, learned so much, and gained so much inspiration. Especially for how to do things on a budget. You guys always managed to make everything look beautiful and functional on a budget. Thank you for creating this space!
gina says
Since I don’t have a blog, I can see your point to just doing real life uninterrupted. As much as I want to share via a blog, my life runs on a more predictable routine without anyone’s expectations but my own. And yes, I still fall short, but at least I am accountable to my family and not the world! ;) I am a little older than you and feel you have matured in the most natural way. You have grown, priorities change, and let’s face it, parenting well is a full time job. I like you even more now that you are being true to you.
Gina says
Thank you for sharing all your incredible hard work, and enduring the best and the worst of the Internet in the process. I love that your passion brought so many amazing blog entries into my life and you totally inspired me to start blogging. Thank you for your honesty, and your preservence. May whatever you decide to do, be filled with joy and contentment and growth.
Thank you for all that you’ve given me and the Internet. Thank you for all the unseen joys and tears that made each entry possible. And thank you for having the courage to do what you need to do.
Lots of love and light.
Gina
http://imperfectlybuilt.blogspot.ca
Delilah says
I feel like I was holding my breath for the last month waiting patiently to see your decision. As a working parent, I can completely understand your decisions and agree that big, bold changes can lead life into new and exciting directions. I too was hoping that you would continue in some capacity as I love your blog.
You are both talented at blogging and I will miss it for so many reasons – your writing style, sense of humour, range of posts and balance do-it-yourself or purchase, family projects, crafts, styling and the random, unexpected and delicious posts. Your blog is unique in so many ways – mostly as you have heart with what you do, focused on what you love and kept it real.
Thank you!
Delilah
Kelly says
Hey there, been a long time reader (6 ish years), and I love and support you guys! So happy for your family and I know you will be successful in whatever ventures you take on. There is nothing wrong with what you guys are doing. All the best to your family.
Lori says
Good luck! I have enjoyed your blog so much! You guys are truly super nice people, I met you two in Chicago, and I could tell that you are just good people!! You have a very beautiful family, enjoy them and your new adventures! Take care…..
ANN COOK says
I echo everyone’s sentiments. I am soooooo saaaaddddd to see you go. You inspire me! And, us! Admittedly I haven’t read all of the comments, so pardon me if I repeat, but this seems to be a trend among a LOT of the blogs I’ve read over the years. I hope this doesn’t come across as negative, but I wonder if our culture is moving away from blogs in general? So many of my favorites have seen a DRASTIC reduction in content and posting over the past 6-12 months. I hope you sprinkle in a few posts here and there, or maybe even consider a non-schedule, schedule? Take it back down to a hobby level blog, meaning just give us an update when you have done a new project, or when Teddy starts walking or just whatever. Being a business owner I understand that there are costs associated in all things, but I certainly hope it’s under consideration. :)
Sally says
Oh……I am really sad about this. You have helped so very much with my house and how to make it a home. But I am glad for all of you. XOXOXO
Wendy says
Oh man, I’m so bummed. I used your blog as my go-to resource for years. I always came to YHL when I wanted to learn how to do something correctly, inexpensively and safely (thank you Mr. Safety… or is it Captain Careful?)… not to mention when I was just looking for inspiration. So many times, I thought, “Oh, I’m not gonna like that,” and I loved it. And reading about your sweet little family life was a bonus. Your blog, your home, your projects, your family were just so relatable. Simply different than all the rest. I am truly bummed. I wish you luck and love, and I thank you for all of your hard work. xo
Ana says
I’m a long time lurker, but I’ve been following the blog maybe since your second home?? I don’t even remember and definitely didn’t notice you guys sneak into my routine. I’m really sad to hear the news but I know it’s for the best. :) Hope you guys have the best of luck in your new adventures!
(I’ve never felt so sappy writing a comment. Maybe it’s the Dirty Dancing song playing in the background??)
Kenzie W says
As someone who has read this blog for over two years now and never commented I just wanted to say thank you. YHL has been without a doubt the biggest inspiration to me over the years with both your unique style and your personal and in-depth writing. This is a place that I’ve enjoyed visiting daily and holds a special place in my heart.
Best of luck guys.
Deborah says
Did we break up? Because I feel like we just broke up. This is so sad. We really had something together, at least I thought so.
Daniela says
Good bye, and thank YOU for everything!
Jamie T says
Are..are you……..are you breaking up with me???
But seriously, good luck in your future endeavors, I am so thankful to have stumbled across your blog 4 years ago and have enjoyed every post of it.
Can I keep the sweatshirts?
lindseywiening says
I just want to say that you will truly be missed. Really, I have tears right now. But let me tell you that I am also very inspired by the fact that you are stepping down from your blog. GOOD FOR YOU!!! You know without a doubt that there is more to life and you know that this is the right path for you to take, even though it’s a difficult one and it is pulling you out of your comfort zone. That inspires me. The information that you have given me (and all of us) these past few years is priceless. Thank you!! Good luck to you and enjoy living :) You won’t regret this decision.
Laura says
I will miss you guys so much! You were always so nerdily funny (my favorite kind of funny) and had such great fun style! I always looked forward to seeing what you were up to next. YHL has given me such great ideas. I wish you and your family luck and love in the future! Big internet hugs to you all!
Justine says
Nooooooooo! I am so sad. You were the first blog I started reading and have provided so much inspiration to me. I hope in some way we can keep up with your family and your projects (because we all know even though the blog ends the house projects will continue). Good luck! (tear)
Chelsea says
I am so very sad to see you go…I thoroughly enjoyed being inspired by y’all over the past seven years! However, I completely understand your reasons and I know that you will do great and wonderful things in your next adventure!
Katey B says
EXACTLY. Thank you for everything.
stephanie says
Excited for you. Bummed for me. Will be looking for that book! :)
Erica M says
I think I’m in denial, can’t believe it’s really over! Hope you guys might entertain the idea of checking in once in a while here or on fb or instagram….I think we’re all going to miss you so so much!! Hope the archives can stay up, they are a tremendous resource. Wishing you all the very very best. You will be sorely missed. Lots of love!!
Janet says
You guys look so bright eyed in your pic! Going to assume that is coming from. the peace you feel with your decision. That being said, wow it stinks that you are signing off. Please come back every now and again for an update or to let us know about book signings. Perhaps a guest appearance on Katie’s blog :) Whatever you do, God bless and enjoy!
Carolyn says
As you move on, remind yourselves….
sometimes you have to hop off that bus because the sites are so beautiful…whenever you want, you can hop on a new one
Best of luck
Joi says
I LOVE that quote. Definitely filing that away for future use!
paintergal says
God’s richest blessings to you and your lovely family. It’s been a joy to watch you work your magic on your houses and see your sweet littles grow.
Elizabeth says
Congratulations on making the decision that is best for you all – that is admirable. I’m in a similar position with my career of 12 years and that is winding down for me as well – this helps reinforce my choice as well. The teaching and lessons continue at YHL! You all will be missed- thank you for all you have shared and looking forward to the new book!
Danielle Blake says
I’ll miss you here of course but I’ll be keeping an eye out for your new projects. Good luck guys!
Wendy B says
I’m thinking y’all are pulling an “Urban Meyer” and you’ll be back in some sort of fashion before we know it :) and I apologize for the sports reference :)
You will be missed!