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!!
Katie says
So bummed to see you go. Just looking at the house tour and all your updates makes it sting even more, so enjoyed following your amazing journey. I hope your Instagram updates are still sprinkled in every once in awhile! You are such a fun family to follow!
Diane Taylor says
Thanks for all the great posts, tips, laughs, and videos :):) Life is fleeting – you blink your eyes and your child goes from baby to todler to young adult to grown up…and then gone too soon. Any decision to spend more time as a family is a good one.
Wishing you all love and new adventures….
Every ending is a new beginning!!!
xxxooo
Annelies says
My first thought was “yes, they are back”, then “oh no, they are really leaving us” :-(
I’m happy to hear the break did you good and I wish you all the best in your life ! I really hope we will hear from you again on the internet some day again, but if not, that is ok too, since it is your life, your decision. But I’m very sad to hear you are leaving us… I’ll miss following your family and more so the great inspiration you were! I noticed ever more so the past month that there is no blog like yours.
Lots of love Petersiks !
Shannon says
I started following you about 4 years or so ago and have loved your charm and your wit. Everything you have done has lent so much inspiration to our lives and I thank you for all the time and effort that you put into everything you do. Thank you for sharing with all of us for all of these years and best of luck to your family. It’s funny that you can cry over people you’ve never even met. You will be missed dearly.
Carissa says
All the best to you and your family!
Carolyn H. says
I’ll miss you guys, but I completely understand. I’ve read you almost daily since your first house. You were always my work break; when I didn’t feel motivated to do my office job, I’d pull up your blog and sit there sipping my coffee, enjoying your bright spirit and motivation. You inspired me to tackle a lot of things at my own house. We added a 3/4 bathroom. We installed flooring. When we needed a crib for our new baby, we bought the one that you guys bought for Clara.
You’re getting older and moving on to new opportunities. I’m getting older too. Maybe I’m a little too old to sit at my desk in my corporate office and read your blog while I’m getting paid to work. Maybe now I’ll have to create my own motivation — be my own bright spark — stop spending so much time looking at others’ lives on the Internet and start being more fully present in my own life, even when I don’t really feel like being productive. It’d be a leap for me, but you’re making a leap too. Maybe it’s one that I’ll make with you.
I owe you guys so much. Thanks for the entertainment, cheer, inspiration and comfort. Best of luck in whatever you do!
Stephanie says
Thank you for taking us on your journey for so long. You didn’t have to invite us, but you did – graciously and wholeheartedly. Thanks for teaching and inspiring. May we all be motivated to do the best thing…even if it’s a hard thing. Love and blessings to your sweet family of 5! Until then, Petersiks.
Jana says
So bummed ???????? but I only wish good things for you guys. Glad to know you’ll update us on the book and your other projects. Now I’ll be singing Boys II Men all day. It’s so haaaard to say goodbyyyyye to yesterdaaaaaaayyyyy.
gemma@thesweetestdigs says
You guys. I am teary over here. The blog world is going to REALLY miss you.
Wishing you the absolute best with all of your future endeavours. I hope you have a healthy and happy life with those darling kiddos. Sending a big virtual hug.
xoxox
Jennifer T says
Although I’m on the verge of tears, as I’ve religiously read your blog for 5+ years, I will say it has been a pleasure watching both you and your family grow. You guys have been such an inspiration for both myself and my husband and you will definitely be missed. I wish you nothing but happiness and good luck in your future and I’ll always keep an eye out in case one day you get the urge to return. ;) xo
Kristin says
You will be missed by all who lived and loved along with you. But, kids and keeping the balance are always the priority. Best of luck to all of you as you pursue what is sure to be a bright new chapter. Maybe just send a Christmas card once in a while? XXOO
Stacey Millard says
The formula I use for Balance=Clarity(heart+mind). With the courage to make a move like this one you’re already on your way! We will miss you, but I am so full of joy for you and your family. I wish you nothing but the very best!
Sarah K says
good for you guys! Congratulations and LOVE!
Christina J. says
I have missed you and will continue to miss you. Could you do a book of the blog? All the posts you’ve done over the last 80 months. There a number of projects and tips I’d like to reference in the future and I’m afraid that may be longer than how long you keep the blog up. I think your readers would love it!
Kymberley says
I didn’t expect this, and I’m rather crushed to be honest. I get it though. It’s not about me or the thousands of fans that are truly heartbroken. You’ve got your priorities, and they are the right ones. Bravo to you for making the best choices for your family. I will certainly miss your posts, especially with Christmas coming up. I always loved seeing your decor and C’s face as she sees her handmade gifts the morning of. It’s just…magical. Take care, and God bless. *sniff*
Leslie says
Amen and amen. Best of all to you four, and maybe more someday :) Miss you tons!
Carrie says
Tears! There are literal tears over this! I’ve followed you guys since the ‘This Young House’ days when you lured me in with your amazing painted brick den transformation, and have been with you daily since. Wish you guys nothing but the best :). Maybe now with less on your plate, you can rethink those tv show offers ;).
Donna says
I’ll miss you guys. I’ve learned a lot from your blog and have enjoyed getting to “know” you through your posts. I’m sure the future holds many wonderful things for you all! I hope you’ll still be on instagram or twitter with pictures every now and then. All the best to you guys!
ashley @ sunnysideshlee.com says
we all will miss you guys … :(
crunchyrn says
Well son of a biscuit!!!! I was doing the happy dance to see y’all were back. But now I am so bummed that you will not be back for good. I have LOVED your blog for a about 4 years now. My coworker and I felt like you were our bff’s. :) Ha. I Remember when my bff moved off during jr. high and I was left feeling sad, panicked, and alone? Yea…that’s how this feels. I am so sad about this…but am truly thankful for all the wonderful stories, projects, and laughs you have given me (us). :) Good luck to you and God bless you in whatever you guys decide to do. You will be missed. Hugs friends…
Alice says
Your beautiful family deserves all the happiness ever! The most amazing blessed wishes to you! I’m going to miss my 9 am YHL fix but will always smile knowing you’re probably doing something awesome.
Erin says
So sad to see the ending of this chapter, I have been reading singe the “this young house” days, but I totally understand your decision and think it makes sense. It seemed like you were running on empty for so long and letting so much in your life go for the sake of the blog. Best of luck to you and your family!
Jess says
Will miss you guys! Happy for you: new adventures are SO exciting! Enjoy it! Wishing you well!
Pauline says
OOOOh my god I’m gonna get selfish here but I excepted you guys to come back just like before you know… Even though I totally understand that you guys want to do something else. I was so excited in my mind to see the end of you house make over .. Whatever ! Wish you the best and secretly hope you change your mind
JennyA says
I’m so SAD!!!! I’ll miss you guys so much! But totally understand and wish you the bestest of luck!
jaclyn says
I won’t lie, I’m pretty torn up over this but you gotta do what you gotta do, right?
So, thanks for the years and best of luck in your new adventures.
Also, I be totally down with maybe a yearly update post from you guys!
Hopefully, you’ll still be around in the social media pool and I can’t wait for the new book next year!
gretchen says
I will really miss Young House Love and all of you! I wish you all the best in your new adventures.
Jessica Gourley says
Not going to pretend like I’m not reallllyyyy sad, but also reaaallllyyyyy happy for you. I had a hunch this might happen…a creepy 6th sense or something, but not in the “I see dead people” kind of way.
S- still hoping we can antique around RVA since John doesn’t *love* it. :)
J- still hoping we can have a joint bday party and play french horn!
so many prayers and blessings sent to you! :)
Hemma says
I feel slightly pathetic saying that I’m really bummed that we’re not able to follow you and your wonderful children and popper Burger anymore. You had become part of my life and it feels like a loss.
I’m wishing you all the best and love and health in your new adventure.
As the amazing Elizabeth Gilbert says: “Onward!”
Erin says
Good luck to you guys in the future. Thank you for the fun ride!
Stephanie H says
Does this mean that the ceramic owl you signed at West Elm in Minneapolis for me is now worth millions? :-) So sad to see you go but your courage is one final DIY lesson: take care of what matters first. Best wishes to you all!
carly says
Good luck to you all! You have given me much design inspiration over the past 5 or so cayears…. from the 3 hanging shelves in my old dining area (one of our first ever home projects)to our recently painted interior front door. Thank you for sharing so much with us all! You will surely be missed.
barb says
Enjoy raising your family. Everything else is simply background noise anyway….
Brier says
Blessings, guys! You wont regret spending more time being with the people you love! Here’s that Irish Blessing in song-format for ya! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqZJB_lHDAM Seems fitting.
Diana says
This post made me incredibly sad but I do understand. Life takes you on many different adventures. I wish you 5 the best and PLEASE don’t be strangers! I will miss you guys!
Vica says
I was so excited to see this post this morning, but then so sad. Good Luck, you will be missed and I am looking forward to stalking your book and book tour. You are/were truly inspiring and most of my new house was inspired by your ideas. But more importantly you taught how to evaluate house decisions, try something new and if it doesn’t work out keep trying till you feel your house is “you”.
Kristin says
Wow, how quickly I went from excited to heartbroken. I’m so very sad to see you go. Like super duper, crying at my desk sad. :(
Laura M says
I have truly loved reading your blog! Thank you for sharing your lives with your readers for so long. I will miss my daily “fix” but wish you all the best on your new adventure. See you another time! (Book tour perhaps?!?)
Angela says
This is the first blog I’ve ever followed and I really loved reading everything you shared! So sad to see you go but wish you the best of luck! Enjoy it! Hopefully I’ll see you around good ole RVA! =)
Julia Kent says
I guess my selfish and first concern is… but we still wanna see before & afters of house renos!!!!
Maybe on Instagram???
Karla M. Davis (@Classy_Woman) says
It’s sad to hear but you guys have given so much of yourselves, your family and your life in general to your readers and I know you have loved it but when you stop enjoying it, that is time to take a long break or move onto greener pasture as you are. It’s hard to imagine what would top your amazing blog but I will for sure be buying book #2 and look forward to seeing you guys doing something amazing DIY-related in the future. Best wishes and blessings for your entire family. I look forward to looking over past posts for continued inspiration.
Krystin B. says
I wish you all the best of luck, I will miss coming here a couple times a week to gain inspiration and check in with your awesome family. Good Luck with all the new things to come! Hopefully we will see you around :)
Kath says
I am shedding bittersweet tears!! Happy for you guys and so sad for all of us : )
PS. Love the Carter’s Mountain photo! My friends said they ran into you guys – I was there just a few hours before and am sad I missed you in Cville!
Gabbi @ Retro Ranch Reno says
I <3 you guys. That is all. :)
Cathy M. says
So sad for myself. So happy for all of you. I have to say this is the decision I expected to see for where you are in life. You won’t regret it. I hope you’ll give us warning via facebook when you decide the end date for your archives. There are so many in there that I plan to eventually tackle that I need to go raid a few tutorials but I know that with the rest of my life — husband, 4 kids, home-based business — I will definitely not get to even a quarter of them before you decide to end the archives. And maybe, just maybe, post a photo now and then on facebook of Clara, Teddy or Burger (or the whole fam), pretty please? :-)
Kate says
Good luck! You’ll definitely be missed.
Bethany says
I’m sad to read this, but I’m excited for the new adventures that are in store for your family. It’s so hard to make a big change (ESPECIALLY when it involves providing for your family) and I really admire that you are brave enough to take the leap into something new. I’m going to miss your design ideas (I love that tree slice art at the top, so thanks for that) but mostly I’m going to miss your writing style and humor. Best of luck to you all!
p.s. Teddy is so big! Loved looking at his weekly photos. You are blessed. :)
Hilary S says
I’m honestly crushed. Elated for you, Petersiks, so please ignore my selfish sad feels.
Jeannie says
Reading your blog inspired me to buy a fixer-upper house because you made me believe I could do it myself. And guess what? I CAN! Thank you for putting your lives out there for so long, and best of luck taking this brave new step. Best wishes for many happy times ahead filled with laughter and love and new adventures.
Eithne says
I hardly ever comment but I’ve been a loyal reader for the past 3 and a half years. I have one three year old son and another baby on the way, and recently both my husband and I made big career changes to be able to spend more time as a family. It’s a decision that I wish more people were able to make… the time passes so quickly! Good luck with all your future adventures!
Christina Ebbers says
Well… I am sad just like everyone else. You have been by far the most genuine and endearing bloggers I’ve come across. Your tenacity with home projects is so inspiring. That being said, I have at times wondered what it would be like to be such an open book to the internet and how you must sometimes wish you could just turn it all off, even for a while. Obviously you didn’t make this decision lightly even though it seems abrupt to us. I respect ya’ll. I still wish I wasn’t going to miss out on all your home renovations though!!