etsy shop update

Many of you may remember that we opened an Etsy shop last October to raise money for Brody's medical expenses. The shop really took off and we have raised quite a bit just through those sales over the last 9 months. We haven't posted any updates recently, but long story short, we had some changes in our insurance and it SEEMS as though we won't be paying as much out of pocket for Brody's expenses. So after having a couple of large garage sales that raised about $1500 a piece, plus the sales from the etsy shop, we decided we should put the fundraising on hold. We don't know what the future holds, or what our new insurance will cover in the future, but as of now, we feel we have a good amount set aside to pay for new braces, physical therapy, etc. (IF insurance doesn't cover, although they said they would). This has been such a huge burden lifted for us.  We always had faith that the Lord would provide, we just never imagined how much. He never ceases to amaze and remind us just how BIG He is! 


So, that being said, we were left with the dilemma of what to do about the Etsy shop. As long as money was coming in, we put it in his medical account because we would never want to use that money for personal use while the shop claimed it was for medical expenses. And we could never have TOO much in there. This is a lifelong disease...even if we don't need it all immediately, a few years down the road we may. Or it may all be gone within a year. We just don't know. But at the same time, we just didn't feel right about continuing to sell design pieces at this time claiming the money was for Brody's expenses. A while from now, that may change. But for now, we decided to change things up. 


So we talked about what we should do..take it down all together? Or change the purpose? We went with the latter :) Designing in Photoshop has been something I've loved to do since college. My emphasis in my major was publication and design so it has been a part of me for 10 years. Its one of my stress relievers. I can sit at my computer and whip out a birthday invitation or a blog header and totally relax. I know, its weird. It just takes my mind off of housework, bills, etc. Its something I really enjoy doing. So, we decided that we would put my talents to use and keep the etsy shop open. It provides a way for me to supplement our income or bring in money that we can use to bless others, without leaving our kids or putting any extra work on me really. (Remember, its fun for me!) 

So I'm excited about our new revamped shop! We had to change the name so we went with what else, but You, Me & the Tots Design Shop. I'm hoping to add many more pieces soon! I would love to be able to offer invitations, announcements, etc as well but we have to take it one step at a time. I can't get too caught up in the excitement and neglect my family :) 


One other cool thing...if you haven't visited the blog recently, you may not have seen the small facelift. So check it out. And if you want to share our etsy shop with your friends, scroll down on the right sidebar and copy the code to add the shop button to your blog!