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In this episode I talk with Heather Burdeaux, case manager and multi-talented, super busy mom of 3 about navigating life with 2 children who have special needs.  Her oldest, Arabella has Down syndrome and her youngest, Darin, has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and Autism.  A  few years ago Darin’s behavior began to suddenly shift.  Heather took courageous steps to help her son through a very difficult period.  She believes in expectation management which ensures every family member is able to fully enjoy vacations and holiday gatherings as defined by each person’s individual needs.  She also encourages making time for your own friendships.  And, as an entrepreneur herself, Heather already has some great ideas about what the future might hold for Bella and Darin.

Connect with Heather:
Blog about raising her kids: http://shantijoy.wordpress.com
Medicaid Resources Website:  http://texasmedicaidwaivers.com

Connect with Arabella:
Arabella’s Wonderful Life YouTube Channel:  http://tinyurl.com/arabella911
Arabella’s Wonderful Life Shop: http://tinyurl.com/arabella911shop

Connect with GHFEDS ~ Greater Houston Families Exploring Down Syndrome
Website:  http://ghfeds.org/

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME
Website: http://www.embracetheblessing.com/

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In this episode I talk with Jennifer Anderson.  I promise not all of my guests are named Jennifer.  If they were, I’d have to change the name to the Jennifer Show.  That would just be silly.   However, if your name IS Jennifer and you’d like to be a guest, let me know.  How hard could it be to change the podcast name,  right?  But I digress.  This Jennifer showed up the day we recorded wearing a sparkly tiara because she’s just that fun.  She was also wearing a special shirt that announces to the world how proud she is to be an advocate for Macie, her  high energy, dance loving, prayerful 14 year old daughter who has Down syndrome.  Jennifer believes in treating a child with special needs just as you would any other child.  She encourages setting goals, being consistent with expectations and embracing your child’s hopes and dreams.

Connect with GHFEDS ~ Greater Houston Families Exploring Down Syndrome
Website:  http://ghfeds.org/

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME

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In this episode I talk with Jennifer Vincent,  part time nurse and busy, full time mother of 3, who shares about her youngest daughter,  Alexandra.   Born with Down syndrome and a heart defect,  Alexandra was diagnosed with diabetes at age 9.   She is also a thrill loving, sensory seeker who water skis, zip lines and indoor sky dives.  Alexandra has a very full life with lots of opportunity and adventure, including  going to Nationals in Chicago to represent Texas in the Miss Amazing Teen Pageant.  Jennifer believes having a disability should not stop your child from doing things.  You just need to provide the necessary accommodations and give them every opportunity to try new things.

Connect with GHFEDS ~ Greater Houston Families Exploring Down Syndrome
Website:  http://ghfeds.org/

Connect with Sandy:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sandydeppisch
Embrace the Blessing Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/ETB4ME

Drumroll Please!

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You guys are awesome!  In a very short time, 54 entries from 28 people came POURING in.  Thank you for your thoughtfulness and creativity in helping Josiah name his budding new business.   It was extremely difficult to narrow down the list but Josiah’s amazing caregivers were up to the challenge.  I may have sent a few too many text messages to them with lists of names that were continually needing to be tweaked.  Everyone liked different ones so identifying the 3 favorites for Josiah to choose from was a bit of a challenge.

When the finalists were decided, the whisper guided Josiah through the selection process.  It was just after an evening shower, when Josiah usually prefers to head straight to his room.  He had just 4 hours of sleep the night before and walked a few miles that afternoon. Though he was tired, he complied.  Josiah was called over to the counter where he promptly sat down on a stool.   Three index cards were placed in front of him and the names read to him in order.

Read more…

We Need Your Creativity!

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While that may very well be true, we are powerless to come up with THE name for Josiah’s new business.  After many months creating behind the scenes, this new business venture remains unveiled, all due to lack of a name. 

Josiah and one of his amazing caregivers embarked on this new enterprise about 6 months ago.

The Josiah whisperer shared this business idea with me when Josiah was still in the midst of difficult challenges.  I’m well aware he works miracles with Josiah but from my perspective, this seemed like a stretch, even for him.   We were struggling to get through the days with no painful episodes of aggression/self-injury.   Contemplating a business endeavor at that point was not on my radar.

I should know better than to doubt the whisperer’s wisdom.  He and Josiah have a special connection that defies description.  He speaks and Josiah complies.  Truly remarkable. Read more…