It's a New Year, New Changes

A little on the personal side today.  I thought I would share since it has been on my mind the last couple of days.

I am sitting here just thinking how grateful I am to all of my customers, to my children and my children's therapists along with my husband.

I am thankful for my husband who without his support I could not be where I am today!  Thank you, honey!

I am thankful to my children's therapists who with constant urging got me to start making blankets for other people.  They were constantly nagging me and telling me how talented I was.  More importantly, they told me there was a need for what I could do and how I could bless the lives of others.  Well, that got me.  ;)

I am super thankful to my children because they are each unique and beautiful!  I love them to pieces.  Let's be honest though.  If it wasn't for their needs I wouldn't be doing what I am doing.

I am incredibly thankful to all of my past customers that have entrusted me of all people to make such an important blanket, lap pad or whatever for them.  If it wasn't for you then I would have quit long ago.  I keep plugging along because of you!  Hearing all of your stories just proves to me that what I am doing is important and I will keep doing it as long as there is need and I am able.

Last fall, I gave up a home business with Stampin Up.  I had been a demonstrator for 12 years!  It pained my heart to do so, but I knew it was time.  I just don't have the ability to push people into buying stuff (no matter how fabulous it is).  ;)  I was really getting busy with my sewing business and I came to a crossroads.  My husband pointed out the good that I was doing.  He was very tactful because we had this discussion before.  In my heart of hearts, I knew that giving it up was the right choice even if it crushed me a bit.  I have to say....  I miss it, but I am so glad I did.  It has given me more time to do what I really want to do.  Help people like my sons.

Ciao Ciao Brown Cow has grown.  Not only do I make blankets for kiddos with special needs, but now regular blankets thanks to my daughter.  I make baby blankets and baby bibs and all kind of baby stuff thanks to my newborn niece.  I have made curtains thanks to my son's teacher.

Ciao Ciao Brown Cow is becoming more than I ever thought possible and it's all because of YOU!

Many, many thanks and I love you all to pieces!
Ciao Ciao Brown Cow

Come On Over!

Hey Guys!  Just wanted to let you know that there is a special on my Etsy page!  Come on over and check it out.  If you have never been to my Etsy page before then I encourage you to do so now.  Also if you visit my Facebook site you can like the page so that you don't miss out on any deals or new product launches.

https://www.facebook.com/ciaociaobrowncow

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CiaoCiaoBrownCow

How Are Ciao Ciao Brown Cow's Weighted Lap Pads and Weighted Blankets Different?

The other day when "N's" occupational therapist was over I had mentioned of switching things up a bit.  He told me to keep doing things as I was doing them.  Don't change a thing was how he put it.  He said that my service was different and that I was needed.  That made me feel terrific since... it was my birthday!

So how exactly are my lap pads and blankets "different" from the majority or retailers?  Well, this is how.

1.  I UNDERSTAND:   I have 2 children with Autism and each have sensory processing disorders.  They vary on the Spectrum.  I have one that before would have been diagnosed as Aspergers and now he is just considered high functioning.  I have one that has been diagnosed as Classic Autism.  He is the middle of the road PDD-NOS.  He has excelled since his diagnosis and receiving therapies from different companies.  Lots of work, lap pads and blankets.

2.  I CARE ABOUT THAT SPECIAL KID:  When you contact me, I go over everything with you.  I want to know his physical characteristics.  I want to know which colors he is attracted to and what things draw him or her.  I want that child to fall in love with what I make for them.  I go above and beyond looking for whatever piques their interest... or "obsession".

3.  I LOVE QUALITY:  And so should you!  That is why I make products that can be washed and hopefully last for quite awhile.  I understand that your child may use this product to wipe her face on.  I understand that your child may love to play with his spit.  I understand that your child might be in the long term progress of potty training.  I understand that their weighted items probably may need to be washed on an everyday basis.

4.  I AM BUDGET-MINDED:  Money is tight!  I know I am not the only one.  I think it's a crying shame that these products are so expensive.  It has made me mad even because I see how they have benefitted my child and I want other children to feel that sense of comfort and relief from the weight. I try to make my lap pads and blankets as affordable as possible.  The basic blanket and lap pad are priced to compete.  I offer extras, but I want everyone to be able to afford the basic.  I search to find bargains and pass them onto my customers.  I'm not in this business to get rich.  This is a heart and soul project.

THIS is how Ciao Ciao Brown Cow is different.

THIS is why Ciao Ciao Brown Cow is so thankful when parents, grandparents, care providers, SPED teachers put their trust in me to make that special something for their someone special.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Ciao Ciao Brown Cow

Going to the Chapel...

Hi All!

We are back from the wedding this weekend.  It was simply beautiful!!!  The boys were sooooo cute in their little outfits.  The hat was something that "N" put on at the last moment.

The weather was PERFECT and everything went off without a hitch.

My biggest stressor besides the boys carrying a banner down the aisle for the bride was the cake!  I rarely decorate cakes and usually only for my boys on their birthday.  The bride asked me to do it and I did because I love her to pieces.  I wish I had a better picture of it, but this is the only one that I took before it headed upstairs.

Isaac thought it was amazing and I had a ton of compliments.  It was a 2 tier, 4 layer funfetti (a surprise from the bride to the groom because he isn't a cake fan) cake with vanilla pudding hidden between the layers.

I got the "treat" of my life later when I saw my sweet 5yo "I" cutting a rug out on the dance floor with his Oma and then later the bride, his uncle, his aunt and his mama.  I had the privilege of dancing 3 dances with him.  This was THE first time ever that he has danced.  I was shell shocked!  Dancing in a large group of people like he danced everyday of his life.  Go "I"!

So, as I said, it was a fabulous wedding and a fabulous weekend!  Now I am back to the sewing machine.  I have a ton of fabrics that I have picked up and I am going to post them on my next blog post.  They are cute fabrics and I can't wait to make something special from them for someone that is even more special!

Ciao Ciao Brown Cow!

Come See What's New!!!!

Long time no write!  We have had a whirlwind of stuff going on here.  Illness, Daughter leaving the nest, Grandparents visiting, More Illness, School, Lots of Sewing and Life!  I hope this finds everyone well.  I have a ton of things to post, but I think this is one of the most important posts.  I will have to catch you up later on all of the neat things I have been creating this last month.

I am SOOOO excited to introduce a new pocket option for the lap pad!!!!  What a great way for your loved one to keep their special something close by while they eat or do work.  I am over the top excited about this one.

This came as a special request.  I have never made a pocket on my lap pads before, so it took a bit of planning.  I think it came out so nicely though!!!!  I took it to school and gave it to the little boy myself.  He absolutely loved it.

Please check out my Etsy listing here:  https://www.etsy.com/listing/202105801/customized-2-lb-weighted-lap-pad-with?

Sorry that the quality of the photo isn't very nice.  If you look at the actual listing you will find a close up of the pocket.  For whatever reason when I uploaded the picture it didn't take.  Computer issues.  :P  Anyway, the pocket is marked by the orange ribbon topper which gives the pocket a very nice finished.  It is also very soft so it makes it pleasant to feel and noticeable where the pocket is located.  

This is the little boy, "S".  He is SOOOO cute.  He must have taken his little white car in and out of the pocket 10X before deciding that it was nice and safe in the pocket.  He sat there and explored the lap pad for several minutes checking out the ribbons, the texture of the lap pad, the space ship and rocket dog.  It delighted me to no end to be able to stand there and watch him go.  My day was definitely made and reconfirmed the reason why I am doing this.  :)

Ciao Ciao Brown Cows!

School and Other Things

Good Morning, Lovelies!

I hope this is finding everyone well this morning.  "I" is sick and home from school.  We are headed to the doctor this afternoon.  Praying it's not that nasty virus going around and praying that brother, "N", doesn't get sick since he has a hard time recovering once ill.  I have been pumping him full of OJ, Vitamin C, Airborne and Vitamins trying to boost his immune system.  I'm hoping it's just a sinus infection since the season has changed dramatically here.  We went from Hot Summer to Cool
Fall all in a span of one day.

Anyway, I finished my latest weighted blanket so I thought I would share it with you.  It turned out super cute.  My new little gadget that I installed on my sewing machine has made sewing these tricky things so much easier.  Feeling blessed!

I am now starting work on a matching order of regular weighted blankets for a daycare.  Will post when I am finished with the first.  I just absolutely LOVE this fabric!!!

Ciao Ciao Brown Cow!

Busy Week/end

It has been such a busy last week and weekend.  It is looking like this week is more of the same.  It is amazing how busy your life becomes when you add a little project here and a little activity there.  Next thing you know your calendar is booked up!

So last Wednesday I completed this amazingly awesome lap pad.  Did I take a picture of it?  NOOOOO!  Of course not.  I didn't realize that little fact until I arrived home from the post office.  I do have the first one I did though.  I was over half way done with it when I decided that I really didn't like the stitching on this project.  What does that mean?  It means that I remade this customer's order in 1 day so I could get it out to her the day that I said.  I want my customers to be happy with the product that they purchase.  I try to put myself in their shoes and look at the creations that I make.  If I am not happy with it (and honestly,... I am my own worst judge) then I don't want to give it to someone else that might not be happy with it.  Anyway, here is the first one that I made....

It is a great thing that I pushed and got this order out because a few days later everyone in my house came down with a bug.  Thankfully after such a busy week we had nothing except a birthday party that was planned.  After declining our RSVP, we laid around and recovered.  The boys got to watch a Muppets Movie.  Daddy went up and borrowed Sister's TV and DVD player so "I" and "N" could watch the movie while we sat in the living room and watched football.

So Monday was the start of my work week.  The boys were off school for Fair Day, but I went ahead and worked.  "N" is way to sensitive to the sounds that occur at a fair so we just stay home.  They played and had ABA therapy.  I sewed.  So below is a picture of the fabric that I am working with to make blankets for a daycare.  Seriously, how cute is this fabric?!  I am fairly partial to bears anyhow.  I will post later in the week with some pictures of the blankets.  

Have a great week!

12th Man FLASH SALE!!!!!!

This offer is good for Washington State Residents ONLY!!!

Are you a Washington Resident?

Are you a Seattle Seahawks Fan?

Are you decked out for Blue Friday?

Then this is the sale for you.

Good until midnight tonight, when you submit an inquiry for a blanket estimate by Midnight tonight, you will receive 12% off of your order (does not include shipping).  This offer cannot be combined with any other offer.

Go HAWKS!

Another Lap Pad completed and other news...

I finished up the lap pad that I was working on today.  The picture below was taken while I was still working on it so it does not show the whole length, but I think you get the idea.

I also wanted to show you another use for the weighted blanket.  "N" shutdown during lunch, so Ms. "E" his BI draped his blanket over his shoulders.  He started coming back around and was back to his old self by the end of lunch.  Again we aren't sure what triggered his shutdown, but just wanted to show you another use for the blanket.

One of those days...

I think "N" loves to save up his frustration for coming home.  I went to pick him up at school and nothing but great reports.  His teacher, Mrs. "S" said he was out on the playground with the aide and that I could go pick him up out there.  As soon as I rounded the bend, I saw "N" digging in the dirt.  Lovely was my first thought. Drives me nuts that his big obsession is digging in the dirt.  He always looks like he came straight from the coal mines.  I called over to him and that is when the day deteriorated.  He yelled back.  No!  Of course he doesn't want to come out of his very favorite place.

Long story short he yelled all the way home.  Yelled when we got in the house.  He didn't eat much of his lunch at school so I sat it on the table for him.  He crawled up and ate a little then started yelling again.  Finally I just removed myself from the table and went up to the sewing room.  Sometimes this is the only way that I can get him to calm down is actually by removing myself.

I am sitting working on a project and getting extremely frustrated because I marked the wrong measurements AGAIN.  (My latest habit is marking things wrong so as to cause the utmost frustration in my life.)  That is when "N" comes in and asks for Legos.  I am busily pinning an identical project to resew rather than ripping out a gazillion stitches.  All of a sudden I get a whiff and realized he had peed his pants.  Rather than getting up and going to the bathroom while playing with his train set, he just sat on the carpet and peed.  Yay!

Later it was time to go get "I" from school.  I tell "N" to get shoes on and away we go.  I get to school and realize they are having a volunteer meeting so I decided to sit in and listen.  Next thing I know "N" is outside and he is back in the dirt.  I shuddered.  I knew what was about to occur, but instead of breaking from the meeting to attend to it I let it happen.  Sigh....  Dirt happens to be my son's FAVORITE place to do his #2.

At this point of the day, I am tired.  I am just finally done with the whole day.  He just came in and screamed because I wouldn't put his jammies on.  It's currently 6pm and he is still covered from head to toe in dirt from the day.

I am off for a glass of wine while I cook dinner.  I think I earned that glass today!

Ciao Ciao Brown Cow!

P.S.  Just a little back story.  This past week he has had more aggressive shutdowns, accidents, screaming.  It's back to school time people!  ;)

Newest Project....

Good afternoon, followers!  Thought I would give you a little update today.  We had such a busy weekend.  It started out having just one thing on the agenda which quickly turned into us not sitting down for one moment.  The good news is that I was able to fold 5 baskets of laundry.  Notice I said fold and not put away.  It is still laying on the bed in my sewing room calling to me.

So today I have started work on a lap pad for a teacher in CA.  Here is a little preview picture.  (Forgive the terrible quality, it is cloudy here today so the image is just not the best.)

Hope your week goes well!  I have a couple more projects that need to be made this week so stay tuned to this Bat Channel!  ;)

Introducing My Latest Creation!!!! The Sensory Blanket!

Alright, for those that have been following me from the beginning, if you remember I teased you with "something in the works."  Well it's finished and I think it turned out even more amazing that I thought it was going to.  Allow me to introduce.... The Sensory Blanket

It has wonderful colors to stimulate vision.  Different textures that will feel wonderful in your special someone's hands.  They will be eager to explore this blanket over and over.  It has has hidden inside wonderful little crinkly paper to give their ears a delight every time they smoosh the fabric.

It has crazy stitching all over it for them to investigate, find and feel.

10 wonderful little fidget ribbons.  Each ribbon is different: color, texture, pattern.

And, of course, it is backed with the dot minky fabric which is also bright, soft and has texture.

I decided to see if this was a home run or not with my own sweet "N" who is very attracted to anything that is sensory friendly.  See for yourself....

Not only did "N" immediately rub his fingers through the white furry fabric, but he found the hidden stitching.  Then, of course, it went immediately to the face to test the softness.  I think my little project was a success!!!

If you are interested in ordering one, please visit my Etsy page:  https://www.etsy.com/listing/202570023/sensory-taggie-blanket?ref=shop_home_active_1

Our Life Today

Today started out well until "N's" therapy session.  Then he shutdown immediately and for a long period.  We haven't seen one of these "little" episodes in awhile.  He responds so well to his Ms. "E" that even she was surprised.  She ran up and got his "heavy" blanket and wrapped him up like a burrito.

After about 15 minutes of heavy blanket therapy, we finally got him to do his visual chart and say the words "potty time"although it was barely above a whisper and fairly unintelligible.  During potty time, I gave him some story prompts to talk to Ms. "E" about when he was finished.  He walked out and started talking.  The more he talked, the more he came back to himself.  Not sure what triggered this shutdown since it was in the middle of lunch, but really glad we are done with it for now.

This is what I am working on currently.  It is a heavy blanket for a friend of ours.  I am really behind on this project so I am trying very hard to get it finished for him.  So on that note.... Ciao Ciao Brown Cow!

New Added Features

So my sweet son, "N", went back to school today.  He attends a preschool at a Lutheran School on Monday through Wednesday and then he attends a regular public school Thursday and Friday for Developmental PreK.

I decided since he responds so well to the weighted blanket and I now make lap pads for everyone else that it seemed like I should at least make one for him.  Makes sense, right?  So, I decided to do a little updating on my normal lap pad and this is what I came up with.

I added a cute little name tag that will be super useful for those kids that take their lap pads to school and I added fidget ribbons to the end.  What are fidget ribbons?  Glad you asked.  They are soft, some have textures (like the polka dot ribbon) and are visually stimulating.  The idea of them is to help calm them when they feel stressed.  As I have written about "N" liking to wrap his finger around ringlets of his hair and then yank them out, this will help (hopefully!) to prevent this self-destructive stim.

I can add them on weighted blankets as well as the lap pads.  Stay tuned because I still have another idea in the works that will just be wonderful for our special kiddos!!!!

All Done!

Finished this awesome blanket over the weekend.  Makes me feel so blessed that it is going to be put to good use and will help this little guy.  :)

Our Autism Story, Part 1

As a ASD mom sometimes I am struck with how many kids there are on the spectrum and some that haven't even been diagnosed, but you can tell that it's in their future.  Honestly and full of naivety I guess, I thought or maybe I didn't think that autism is something that I would never have to deal with.  I am not sure why I thought that.  I guess just like most moms out there I thought, "That will never happen to my children.  They are perfect so how could they be diagnosed with something like that."  Are you following what I am trying to say?  

As hard as it is to explain these feelings, it is also even harder to deal with the feelings of sitting in that doctor's office.  Hearing, but not hearing the words coming out of some stranger's mouth telling you that your son(s) is broke.  Some guy is telling you that there is a monster that has taken up residence in your son(s) head and won't be leaving anytime soon.  Does this sound extreme or intolerant to you?  Maybe, but that is what every mother thinks no matter what the diagnosis.  Autism, Cancer, Diabetes, etc.  A mother cannot process at that moment that there is one single thing wrong with their child.  Not me.  Not you.  Not anyone.  

In those moments, ears go deaf.  A buzzing sound grows loud in the room.  You hear this loud wale sound grow louder and louder.  Is it raining in the room?  Why is my face wet?  Oh, I am bawling and that loud sound is me... mourning the thought of what my child was going to be.  Again, ignorance and intolerance for the Autism community, probably.  

At that moment you have no idea of the amount of people that are going to enter your life.  They don't tell you with Autism things like occupational therapy, physical therapy, eating therapy, speech therapy, therapy, therapy, therapy is going to follow ABA therapy.  And, what the hell is ABA therapy?

Long story short, this post was born as I was standing next to a young mother watching our children play skee ball at the local Chuck E.'s.  I noticed the tell in her son.  The same one that my son has.  The one that I thought was so cute when he was little.  The reason I call him my bird and to be careful not to fly away from me.  I decided to chat her up since most mom's are silent on the subject (I am not.  I am LOUD and PROUD to talk about ASD.  Awareness people!).  I asked innocent questions that would normally tell me if there was a diagnosis or if she was aware of what her son was doing.  Starting with the clothes (very cute by the way!) and moving right onto school.  It was at that point that I realized that she knew her child was different (since he didn't speak the whole entire time...unusual for a 3 year old), but there was no diagnosis.  

Another one will join our ranks soon when the nagging mommy brain is too loud to ignore.  Will she feel the things I did?  Probably.  I'm sorry for her right now because she doesn't know the road ahead.  The struggles will only grow greater until the right people will come into their lives.  It will be extraordinarily overwhelming before life starts to grow...a little easier.... maybe.  For some yes, for some the same, and for some it will get worse.

This is why I do what I do.  I want to help the ones who fight daily for a bit of normalcy.  I know what it is like.  I have two on the spectrum.  Every child with Autism is just one child on the Spectrum.  They are ALL different.  No two kiddos are alike.  My two are different.  "I" is 5 years old.  He was 4 years old when he was diagnosed.  It wasn't something we went in for.  It was happenstance that it was caught.  He was so smart and fairly high on the Spectrum that we were able to make excuses for the odd behavior.  

My other son... the one that I write the most about, "N" is 3 years old.  We knew when he was a baby that something wasn't right.  I had to jump off buildings to pull a smile from that kid.  He is middle of the road Spectrum.  Or, Classic Autism if you will.  Nonverbal until after 2 years of age then it was uncommunicative speech.  He could label everything in the world, but couldn't ask for a glass of milk.

So, this is part of our story mixed in with a little bit of today.  Long, I know.

Blessings and peace,

p.

Another Day, Another Blanket

Forgot to post the new blanket that I am working on.  This was the first day of construction and I am nearly finished with it.  This is for a 2yo boy.  :)  So happy to be able to make this for that little guy!
Will post pictures of the finished product.

Weighted Blanket Finished!

Well, folks, as promised, here is the weighted blanket that I have been working hard putting together for a sweet young man.

It weighs 8 whopping pounds and it's going to make him feel so snuggly and secure.  It just warms my heart thinking about it.  He loves Thomas the train and I backed it with the softest Minky dot fabric.  Enjoy RTP!

In other news, the yesterday "N" was having a rough day.  He was just having fits about going to the potty and shutting down.  Just a mess.  So I grabbed his weighted blanket and draped it over his shoulders.  He looked like a super hero.  He was able to calm down long enough to use the restroom.  Uses# 141 for weighted blankets!  lol!

Have a great day!

I know I haven't posted much lately.  I have been sewing my little fingers to the bone.  lol.  This week I received 3 orders and one had to be done pronto.  Man, I have a backache from the sitting.  I love sewing though.  Love going to the craft store and searching for the right fabric for my customer.  I wish that I could see the faces of the recipient.  How blessed that would make me feel!  I know I am already blessed that I have a talent that I can share with individuals with special needs.  :)

Finishing up a couple of projects and I will post pictures as soon as I am finished!  Have an awesome week.

New Fabrics!!!!

Look at these great fabric combos that I have for some blankets on order!!!  Aren't they fun?  I can't wait to see what these are going to look like all stitched up.