Isn't That Special? special needs: family: fun

Jen and Deena talk about trying to schedule anything and catch up on therapy progress.  Perhaps they have a ways to go...they don't seem "fixed" yet!

Jen and Deena are back after a few months break and they found out that they are even more in sync than they thought! Without knowing it about the other,  they both "started" therapy so may as well share it all with you!Come along for the ride!

Jen and Deena share some stories of what Christmas is all about. Sometimes it's all about taking some time to be still and silent and seek the magic of the season. Merry Christmas, friends, and a Blessed New Year!

Join us as we discuss pushing on and finding joy even when life keeps hitting. Christmas is coming and we are fighting to find the joy! Yippee Ki Yay is our motto this week.....from one of our favorite Christmas movies....die hard. But maybe don't die!

Jen and Deena (and a special guest opening!) chat about what makes their Holiday season Joyful despite trying times. It might be a battle this year, but there's always a reason to celebrate!

Happy Turkey Day!! Join us as we talk about the things we are thankful for....mostly!

Join us for this episode where we talk about being advocates not only for our kids but also for ourselves. We can't take care of our families if we don't advocate for ourselves as well! Its a tough topic but an important good one!

Jen and Deena get the holidays rolling early! Believers in ALL things holidays, they kick it off with thinking about SIMPLIFYING the holidays this year. Actually, they ramble a good bit with some tips thrown in for good measure! It's time to get JOYFUL!

This week on Isn't That Special join us as we talk about some of the things we let our special needs kiddos get away with. Won't keep shoes on? Won't go to bed without a certain routine? Kicks things to get your attention. We allow it! Whatever it takes to get the job done =)

Join in on the spooky fun as Jen and Deena tell some home state Halloween stories! No tricks, just treats as they just enjoy some good old fashioned hauntings!

Jen and Deena give reviews for 4 Halloween movies and other chatter... The Adams Family, The Haunting of Bly Manor, Hocus Pocus, and the Shining

Deena and Jen talk about when self care just isn't enough to promote mental health. They talk about resources available in an immediate crisis and how to get professional help when you are struggling. https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSLKu391DcF5-iB45GS3V5CiaCW9GvfxCLXDqCtXsx5IY65JpVsy5d1nSJgsmNSA9YHoH6tTW_GjtzK/pub

Jen talks candidly about a topic many special needs family face along with a diagnosis- constipation. Her daughter underwent the surgical procedure of having a Malone procedure. Find out what it is and the hopeful end goal. The struggle is real and brings along a myriad of other problems than the aforementioned inital diagnosis many face. The struggle, literally, is real.

Jen and Deena discuss the difference in self-comfort versus self-care. While both are important, self-care is vital for exceptional families to stay healthy, physically and mentally while caring for others. Deena honestly discusses her struggles with self-care and caregiver burnout during the pandemic.

Jen and Deena continue the conversation with Andrea Roberts, founder of A Mother's Rest which is redefining the definition of respite for caregivers. For event information, information of two inns owned and operated by A Mother's Rest, and information on the Bed and Breakfasts all around the county partnering with them, please visit www.amothersrest.org

Jen and Deena are so proud to introduce you to CEO and founder of A Mother's Rest, Andrea Roberts, as their special guest on this 2 part series. A Mother's Rest is redefining what true respite looks like for extraordinary families. Please find us on Facebook: Isn't That Special Podcaston Instagram: @specialneedspodcastplease visit, donate, or sign up for a retreat at A Mother's Rest: https://www.amothersrest.org/

In today's episode we discuss dreaded acronyms. Navigating the crazy special needs world gets even crazier when you toss a million acronyms in the mix. What do some of them mean? What do we need to know? Join us as we dive into the crazy!

Jen and Deena talk about some of the things that they "can't live without" or that just make them smile around their house...also, just some things they blow their money on that they shouldn't!

Join Jen and Deena for the second part of their interview with some rockstar single parents.

On this episode join Jen and Deena as we have some extraordinary guests! We will be discussing what it is like to be a single parent raising an exceptional kiddo. These gals are Rockstars and you guys are going to love them!

Jen and Deena try to trick themselves into thinking 2020 hasn't been ALL bad....

On today's episode of Isn't that Special we discuss what its like to have chronic disappointments in our lives. We offer some tips and suggestions and also just have some frank discussion about the roller coaster that is special needs parenting!

Jen and Deena are joined by Nick Wallace, a special needs financial planner, and discuss planning for the future for your exceptional loved one. Part 2

Jen and Deena are excited to welcome their first guest, Nick Wallace. Nick is a financial planner that knows the ins and out of special needs planning more than most. This is part 1 of a 2 part session with Nick as he discusses the first steps for those needing to plan for an extraordinary's loved ones future.

Jen and Deena discuss how things can change in the blink of an eye....kind of like how this episode turns out! Things careen off course around minute 25...Join the community at Isn't That Special Podcast on Facebook!

Jen and Deena discuss current trends and what may be up and coming! They may not be as cool as they think they are!Let the fun continue by joining the podcast Facebook group at Isn't That Special Podcast - you aren't alone!

Jen and Deena chat about the reality that the country is trying to recover and "reopen" and things, in theory, should be looking up but nope. Suckville is hitting hard.

Join Jen and Deena as we discuss setting boundaries! It can be tough to set boundaries but is so important and healthy especially for special needs families.https://psychcentral.com/lib/10-way-to-build-and-preserve-better-boundaries/

Jen and Deena share their experiences with the Make a Wish Foundation as well as talk about other resources that grant wishes for extraordinary families.Join our Facebook community at Isn't That Special Podcast

This week, Jen and Deena discuss answers to questions that don't matter. Like, they don't matter at all. But we have a lot of fun!

Jen and Deena discuss all things friendship for caregivers

Join us this week on Isn't That Special for a frank discussion on faith. How does our faith play out in relationship to our special needs kiddos?

Jen and Deena discuss the joys and woes traveling with extraordinary families

Join us as we resume our "normal" format and discuss birthdays. Special needs birthdays can be a bit of a challenge. We will talk about the feels, the celebrations, the sadness and just surviving! Jolie turns 7 this week! So come celebrate with us and don't forget to join our Facebook group Isn't That Special Podcast!

Jen and Deena discuss things that we have and should give up already!https://www.facebook.com/groups/isntthatspecial/

Join us for some hangout time on diversion episode number.....whatever they are all running together! We discuss our weeks and life and just have some fun!

Jen and Deena share their honest and candid, ugly and not, feelings about staying home these weeks of the pandemic. They hope this lets you know you aren't alone with whatever you are feeling!We are here to chat anytime - feel free to private message us on the facebook community page!Isn't That Special Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/isntthatspecial/

Join us for diversion episode 3 where we discuss our daydreams! Being stuck at home can be hard but that doesn't mean we can't imagine wonderful travels, events, etc. What do you daydream about? Join our Isn't That Special Facebook group and tell us for our weekly challenge!

Join us this week on Isn't That Special! We are discussing things you can do during quarantine! Come hang out and escape for a little bit with us!

Jen and I have officially lost it and have turned this into a three ring circus for everyone's escaping pleasure. We discuss your favorite, the Tiger King!Isn't That Special Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/isntthatspecial/sources: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11823076/episodes?season=1&ref_=tt_eps_sn_1https://popculture.com/streaming/2020/03/30/tiger-king-cast-where-are-they-now/#4

Welcome to Isn't that Special~On today's episode we discuss the quarantine and life at home. We are a hot mess this week but its real life! Join us for some fun and laughs! We hope to be a safe little getaway for you on the Hot Mess Express!

Jen and Deena welcome their "firstborns," Paige and Elliot, to the show to discuss the realities of being a sibling to someone living with special needs. The Good, the Bad, and The Ugly!

Jen and Deena discuss how we bounce back from a really rough week to live to parent another day.Deena's glimpse of good: https://100humanitarians.com/for all things poop: Potty Mouth Poopcast (listener discretion is advised)

Jen and Deena take a detour because of some of life's curveballs and admit sometimes we just aren't ok.Join the Facebook group. Just search for Isn't That Special Podcast and click to join!

Jen and Deena celebrate 10 episodes with some much needed silly hang out time. No words of wisdom in this one!

This week on Isn't That Special we discuss mental health of caregivers. Stress, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD. Its all real and we dive into an open discussion about our mental health journey. Resources from today's podcast are linked below! www.Livehealthonline.com://adaa.org/resources/caregivershttps://www.psycom.net/coping-with-stress-while-caring-for-a-child-with-autism/#copingtipshttps://www.romper.com/p/ptsd-helps-parents-keep-their-medically-fragile-children-alive-but-at-what-cost-13222452?utm_term=share&fbclid=IwAR2HzaXvl7IHIPe1o2hOxmVcF9WYgyvKuA4Gi3NoM6klvnAe5MNF86U68Hg

Jen, Deena, and 2 surprise guests talk about how to maintain a relationship while raising exceptional families.Questions to ask your spouse: newlywed-game-questionsReasons it's good to be married (not safe for work): 168 reasons that being married is great!

Jen and Deena talk about the many ups but also the few downs of in home help.Here are some helpful resources:For compensation on being a paid family caregiver, click here.For a directory of resources where you can search state by state, click here.Easter SealsThe Arc resourcesUCP: United Cerebral Palsy: United Cerebral Palsy is here to help individuals and families connect to the resources and the services they need and deserve! Our Resource Guide is just the right navigation tool to help you find the answers to the many questions you may have about disabilities and services available in your community. Just follow the links for more in-depth information on a variety of topics.

Today on Isn't That Special join us as we discuss what a "typical" day looks like for our special needs families. Coffee, Meds, Therapy, Repeat! This is how we get things done! A bit all over the place with no formula or schedule - proof that you just gotta roll with what the day brings.Here is the link to Jen's new Etsy shop (work in progress) https://www.etsy.com/shop/O2notopt?ref=search_shop_redirectDon't forget to join our FB community! Isnt That Special Podcast! We share conversation and community throughout the week plus bonus insights into our lives!Here is the link to our little girlfriend who is starting her modeling journey! Isnt she adorable?!https://www.today.com/parents/4-year-old-skin-snake-signs-modeling-contract-t172127

This week on Isn't That Special join us as we discuss the joys and luxuries of hospital stays. Its our home away from home so shouldn't we make it as easy as possible? Join our Facebook Group to add your tips and tricks of the trade! Shout out to www.hannahscarepackages.org who provide families with bags full of goodies to make hospital stays a little easier! If you haven't checked them out do it here!Check out Hari Miller's Twitter story about Amelia Roberts and how her one act of good impacted many! Hari and Amelia's storyAlso check out our Facebook Page to see the little doggo from our glimpse of good!