Sendy Mom

If you’ve ever wondered how to stay patient in chaos, advocate for a child with complex needs, or rebuild after heartbreak, this conversation is a grounded, generous look at resilience from a mother who has lived it.

In this episode, Becky talks with Candace Bergquist—an identical mirror twin, mother of three, grandmother of six, and a woman who has faced extraordinary challenges with humility, humor, and faith. Candace has lived with fibromyalgia, hearing loss, and a traumatic brain injury while parenting children with complex medical and emotional needs, including cerebral palsy, daily seizures, addiction, and developmental disabilities. She has also endured the heartbreak of losing a child and continues to show up for her family with love and steadiness.

Candace’s personal story and professional background—as a teacher, reading program director, medical assistant, and leader in nonprofit work—have shaped her into a powerful advocate for children and families. In this conversation, she and Becky explore empathy, special-needs parenting, thoughtful communication, and how community support becomes a lifeline through grief and recovery.

If you're navigating disability, emotional upheaval, chronic illness, loss, or simply trying to raise kinder children, this episode offers hope, practical wisdom, and encouragement.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background of Candice Berquist

01:10 Mirror Twins: Learning to Adapt

04:24 Family Drama: Learning Responsibility

09:42 Lessons on Prejudice and Acceptance

15:10 The Importance of Thoughtful Communication

18:11 Car Accident and Dealing with a Traumatic Brain Injury

27:01 Bad Baby

36:48 Midway

41:02 Child Struggling with Drug Addictions

46:48 Grieving and Support from Community

50:54 Create and Teach Empathy

53:45 Caring for Alicia: Babies with Seizures

01:00:24 Finding Hope: Alicia's Success Story

01:05:42 Advocating with Kindness

01:12:32 Rapid Fire Questions

Mentioned in the Show:

Find links at: SendyMom.com

Be Sendy and Subscribe! Leave us a review or chat with us!

👉🏼Instagram

👉🏼Facebook

👉🏼YouTube

👉🏼sendymom.com

👉🏼 Subscribe to the Sendy Mom Podcast: sendymom.com
👉🏼 Email Becky: [email protected]

Googling “how to start a new project,” “how to be a beginner again,” “how to get out of a rut,” or “am I too old to learn a new skill?” Julia Child’s late-bloomer story is your playbook. Becky shares five courage lessons from Julia’s life—from joining the OSS, bombing in speaking French, and cooking live on TV, to laughing at mistakes and choosing people over perfection. You’ll leave with a practical “courage menu” you can cook tonight.

Chapters:

00:00 Julia Child's History

04:14 Grit in the Kitchen

06:48 The Importance of Human Connections

08:48 Learn from Your Mistakes

12:05 Start Before Figuring It All Out

14:28 Fighting Boredom

16:42 How to talk about politics

18:23 Julia's Impact on American Cooking

23:20 Outro with music and words 3-7-25.mp3

Mentioned in the Show:

Find Links at Sendymom.com

What Would You Do If You Knew You Were Dying?

In this week’s Sendy Mom episode, I talk with Rachel Farnsworth, founder of The Stay at Home Chef, about her extraordinary journey through severe health challenges and her rise as one of the most beloved online food creators in the world.

Rachel has faced Addison’s Disease, an atypical form of Stiff Person Syndrome, and even a brain tumor. She shares what it’s like to prepare your family for decline—and how to find life again when miracles happen.

With over 12 million followers across social media, Rachel has built a community around good food and genuine connection. In this conversation, she opens up about:

• Overcoming self-doubt and learning to value her own contribution
• The lessons chronic illness has taught her about joy, grief, and resilience
• The courage it takes to share your voice and keep creating when life feels uncertain

This is one of those conversations that will leave you both inspired and grounded in gratitude. You might even need a tissue or two.

👉 Share this episode with someone who needs hope, encouragement, or a reason to start something new—even in the face of fear

Meet my Guest: 

Rachel Farnsworth began exploring the art of cooking at age 12. In 2008, she started sharing her recipes online as Rach’s Kitchen, later rebranding to The Stay at Home Chef in 2012. Her approachable, restaurant-quality recipes have made her a trusted voice for millions of home cooks.

Beyond her viral videos and best-selling cookbooks, Rachel’s story is one of resilience, faith, and creativity. She’s a devoted mother of two and a Sendy Mom who continues to live courageously while facing serious health challenges.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Rachel Farnsworth

04:29 Learning to Cook

07:04 Supportive Family Background

11:10 The Start of Something Truly Awful

16:58 Atypical Presentation of Stiff Person Syndrome

26:37 Preparing for Death

31:31 Donating Plasma Actually Saves Lives!

34:57 Grieving the Life that Could Have Been

39:36 Midway

41:47 Becoming a Successful Influencer

47:46 Behind the Scenes of a Successful Influencer

51:00 Valuing Your Contribution as a Woman

59:30 Learning to Self Promote

01:04:07 Rapid Fire Questions

Key Takeaways:

🍎 Rachel began her culinary journey simply trying to cover grocery costs—and built a global community instead.

🍎 Culinary school isn’t always the path; experience and curiosity can teach just as much.

🍎 Cooking is chemistry—don’t be afraid to experiment.

🍎 Lifelong learning keeps us creative and resilient.

🍎 Health challenges can reshape how we see life, family, and purpose.

🍎 Grief and joy are two sides of the same coin.

🍎 Women often undervalue their contributions, but sharing our voices matters.

🍎 Community and vulnerability can transform pain into purpose.

🍎 Immunoglobulin therapy saved Rachel’s life and gives hope to others with rare diseases.

🍎 Being “Sendy” means daring to live fully, even in uncertain seasons.

Mentioned in the Show:

The Stay at Home Chef

Why My Gray Hair Makes Me Happy***Be That Person***

Call the Midwife

The Craft Patch Blog

Feeding America

💚Be Sendy and Subscribe! Leave us a review or chat with us!💚

👉🏼Instagram

👉🏼Facebook

👉🏼YouTube

👉🏼sendymom.com

👉🏼 Subscribe to the Sendy Mom Podcast: sendymom.com
👉🏼 Email Becky: [email protected]

What does it really mean to find your flow? In this episode of the Sendy Mom Podcast, Becky Brouwer dives into the story of Trudy Ederle, the first woman to swim across the English Channel — and the woman who taught the world what it means to be in sync with your body, your purpose, and your potential.

Discover how to break big goals into smaller, manageable steps, use visualization to improve performance, and find that peaceful, powerful state where effort feels effortless.

Becky also shares her own story about overcoming performance anxiety at the piano and how neuroscience, practice, and faith all combine to help us get into that magical state of “flow.”

Whether you’re learning a new skill, building a business, or simply trying to keep your head above water in a busy season — this episode will inspire you to keep swimming.

Takeaways:

🏊‍♀️ Big goals become possible when you break them into smaller steps.

🏊‍♀️ Visualization trains your brain for success — even before you begin.

🏊‍♀️ Flow happens when challenge and skill meet in perfect balance.

🏊‍♀️ You can rewire your brain through practice and intentional repetition.

🏊‍♀️ Support and encouragement amplify courage — no one swims alone.

🏊‍♀️ True mastery comes from love of the process, not just the result.

🏊‍♀️ Our brains are efficient: what we focus on, we strengthen.

🏊‍♀️ Finding flow requires focus, preparation, and faith in yourself.

🏊‍♀️ Failure is feedback — part of the path to mastery.

🏊‍♀️ Courage isn’t loud; it’s consistent, quiet motion in the right direction.

Chapters:

00:00 The Early 20th Century Woman

03:01 Louis Handley Develops the American Crawl

04:15 Break it Down

06:52 Do it Because You Love It!

07:38 Visualization

11:49 Swimming the English Channel

15:59 Getting Into Flow: How Your Brain Works

18:01 Trudy's Secret Weapon

20:18 Sendy Mom Tea Party and Thank You!

Mentioned in the Show:

Find all links at: https://sendymom.com/2025/11/03/finding-your-flow-who-was-trudy-ederle/

Visualization: The Power of the Movie Theater in your Mind by Ballispsych

The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle

Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

Young Woman and the Sea by Glenn Stout

Young Woman and the Sea on Disney Plus
Becky's performance of Haydn's Concerto No. 11, 1st Movement

💚Be Sendy and Subscribe! Leave us a review or chat with us!💚

👉🏼Instagram

👉🏼Facebook

👉🏼YouTube

👉🏼SendyMom.com

What does it take to complete 10 Ironmans, 24 marathons, and 3 ultra-mountain bike races—while raising four kids and navigating the highs and lows of adoption and family life?

In this inspiring Sendy Mom conversation, host Becky Brouwer sits down with her good friend Chris Schilling to talk about what happens when you set hard goals—and keep going even when life changes the plan. Together, they explore how sports can teach us to be resilient, how community and family shape our courage, and how parents can model perseverance for their kids.

Whether you’re chasing a physical goal or just trying to push through a personal challenge, this episode will remind you: growth happens when you stay in the race.

Meet my Guest:

Chris Schilling is an ultra-athlete. She puts 110% into everything she does and is fully committed. Starting with playing competitive basketball in high school and college, she went on to running 24 marathons, finishing 10 Ironman competitions and 3 ultra-mountain bike races. With 4 children, 2 who are adopted, you will feel inspired and motivated to accomplish your most daunting goals. As a friend, Chris is loyal, honest, and reliable. If you are needing some motivation to accomplish your first athletic event, this episode will get you signing up without even thinking about it!

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:34 Chris is an Edgy Rule Follower

07:03 When Goals Have to Change

08:38 Adoption and Infertility

17:34 Your Body Has a Story: How To Compete in an Ironman

28:58 The Kayaking MisAdventure

33:57 Mountain Biking Challenges and Triumphs

37:00 Mountain Biking: The Next Sendy Adventure

47:21 Raising Resilient Children Through Sports

52:17 Rapid Fire Questions

Key Takeaways:

🏀 Everyone has their own unique way of being courageous.

🏀 Education is important, regardless of the field of study.

🏀 Resilience can be learned through sports and challenges.

🏀 Adoption can create beautiful connections between families.

🏀 It’s the hard experiences that help you to grow

🏀 Transitioning from one sport to another can be a natural progression.

🏀 Ironman competitions require dedication and training.

🏀 Having a race to work towards provides motivation to exercise

🏀 Sports are a great way to teach children to overcome disappointment and be resilient

🏀 Personal growth comes from overcoming obstacles. 

Mentioned in the Show:

Please e-mail Becky at [email protected] if you're interested in volunteering to help with producing this show

Check out sendymom.com to submit your ideas for Sendy Adventures

ancestry.com

The Woodlands Marathon

Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Survivor on Amazon Prime

American Cancer Society

Find a Way by Diana Nyad

Sendy Mom 2025 Clothing Drive to the Philippines:

Thank you so much for joining Sendy Moms all over the world in clothing children in the Philippines. This is a great opportunity to teach your own children compassion and be a mother to children who are struggling. 

All items need to be sent or dropped off by Friday, October 31, 2025. They really need shoes! But any clothing donations and clean underwear and socks are helpful. Here are instructions on getting donations to them. We have partnered with Julie Hess in Portland, OR who ships items every month to the Philippines. If you are sending items, please send them to her address in Portland. If you are in Utah and would like to bring donations by, I am planning on taking a trip to Portland in November and will take your items to her then. You can also send Venmo donations as well as shop and send any donations via the Amazon list. We have included a few ideas on the Amazon list. Feel free to buy as many as you’d like even if it shows it’s already been purchased or any other item that would fit children aged 4-12. We have at least 7,000 children we can help! 

Here are the links:

Sendy Mom 2025 Clothing Drive Philippines - Amazon List, Search for: Becky Brouwer

Drop off Donations to:

Becky Brouwer

10025 N 6300 W

Highland, UT 84003

Send Donations to:

Sendy Mom c/o Julie Hess

11140 SW Morgen Ct

Portland, OR 97223-3971

💚Be Sendy and Subscribe! Leave us a review or chat with us!💚

👉🏼Instagram

👉🏼Facebook

👉🏼YouTube

👉🏼sendymom.com

👉🏼 Subscribe to the Sendy Mom Podcast: sendymom.com
👉🏼 Email Becky: [email protected]

Do you wish your relationship with your in-laws was closer? Try these 5 strategies to have a closer relationship with your in-law. Relationships between mother and daughter-in-law don’t need to be strained and every relationship takes time and effort to develop. In this episode, I go into great advice from books, videos, and personal experience as well as research with family and friends. The first step is to desire a better relationship. There are things you can do and things you can ignore to help you have a great bond with your daughter-in-law or mother-in-law. Enjoy this discussion that starts with Sendy Spotlight on Ruth and Naomi from the Bible.

Takeaways:

👉 Marriage traditions and family roles across cultures have changed

👉 Men and Women were meant to help each other and be one

👉 Lessons from Ruth and Naomi’s relationship teach us that there can be strong bonds between in-laws

👉 What modern women say makes MIL–DIL relationships thrive

👉 Criticism never motivates people to change

👉 5 ways to help your relationship grow

👉 Courage, loyalty, and love in family bonds can heal broken relationships

Chapters:

00:00 Clothing Drive for the Philippines

03:39 Cultural Wedding Practices

06:36 Ruth and Naomi's In-Law Story

10:56 5 Ways to Develop Love with your In-Laws

18:09 Advice from Friends and Family

21:41 Conclusion

Mentioned in the Show:

Find all links here: https://sendymom.com/2025/10/22/from-naomi-ruth-to-modern-in-laws-5-keys-for-a-loving-relationship/

The Cultural Context of the Book of Ruth — Marion Ann Taylor

Making Room for Her by Barbara and Stacy Reaoch

Related by Chance, Family by Choice: Transforming Mother-in-Law & Daugther-in-Law Relationships by Deb DeArmond

Planting Positivity: Growing Kids, Gardens, and Relationships with Kaitlyn Brouwer

💚Be Sendy and Subscribe! Leave us a review or chat with us!💚

👉🏼Instagram

👉🏼Facebook

👉🏼YouTube

👉🏼SendyMom.com

If you’ve ever wondered how to nurture a healthy in-law relationship—or how to raise kids, plants, and a family dream all at once—this episode is for you. Becky sits down with her daughter-in-law, Kaitlyn Brouwer, to talk about growing things: children, gardens, relationships, and mindsets. Together they explore how planting positive thoughts can transform perfectionism, stress, and self-doubt into confidence, joy, and growth.

Kaitlyn Brouwer is a homesteader, musician, and mother of three who believes growth starts from the inside out. Whether she’s nurturing her garden, raising confident kids, or building strong in-law relationships, Kaitlyn brings courage and creativity to everything she does. She’s a Sendy Mom through and through—willing to try new things, embrace imperfection, and grow something beautiful in the process.

Key Takeaways:

• Plant positivity. The thoughts you nurture grow into your reality—especially when facing performance anxiety or self-doubt.
• Perfection isn’t the goal. Teaching kids to try (and fail) builds courage and resilience.
• Risk-takers and rule-followers both need balance.
• Encourage curiosity and confidence.
• You’re not special. Take a lesson from Bluey
• Growth happens in messiness. You can find joy and grief side by side.
• Start small. A window box garden—or a five-minute morning routine—can change your mindset.
• Learn as you go. Community classes, hobbies, and homesteading all remind us it’s okay to be a beginner.
• Do it with love. Even dishes and daily chores can become meaningful when done with gratitude.
• Healthy in-laws grow from communication. Honest conversations plant deep roots of trust.

Mentioned in the Show:

Find links to all the resources at Sendymom.com

Be Sendy and Subscribe! Leave us a review or chat with us!

👉🏼Instagram

👉🏼Facebook

👉🏼YouTube

👉🏼sendymom.com

👉🏼 Subscribe to the Sendy Mom Podcast: sendymom.com
👉🏼 Email Becky: [email protected]

Ever wonder if you can make a difference to the thousands of children living in poverty? I had a great conversation with Trixie Espinosa. Trixie grew up hungry, foraging for crickets and mushrooms in the mountains of the Philippines. Today, she’s feeding 7,000 children every single day through Rise and Rebuild, an organization she helps lead with both business savvy and deep compassion.

We talk about her journey from poverty to prominence, her work building farms and nutrition centers, and how she’s teaching parents to sustain their families with dignity. Trixie is a Sendy Mom in every sense—raising three successful children while mothering thousands more. You’ll be able to relate to the love she feels for her children and the people of her country. It doesn’t matter where you live in the world, we all want happiness for ourselves and our children. Her story is a reminder that resilience, faith, and community can truly change the world and will help to make the world just a little smaller.

We also announce a clothing drive to help these children feel loved and seen this Christmas. If you’ve ever wondered how you can make a real difference, this episode is your invitation.

Meet my Guest:

Trixie Espinosa is VP of Farming and Nutrition at Rise and Rebuild, an organization based in Tarlac City, Philippines. Their mission is to end hunger. They do this through nutrition centers throughout the Philippines, feeding 7000 malnourished and undernourished children one nutritious meal every day. Trixie began her journey as a malnourished and neglected child in poverty in the Philippines. For food, she would forage in the mountains for crickets, mushrooms and anything edible. Now, she uses her knowledge of farming and manages 3 farms in the Philippines, overseeing 200 employees. Because of her experiences and her ability to lift herself from circumstances, she is a Sendy Mom. Trained as an accountant, Trixie brings love and business savvy to her entrepreneurial endeavors and teaches it to the parents of the children she feeds.

Chapters:

00:00 Sendy Mom Donation Call to Clothing Drive to the Philippines

05:26 Difficult Childhood Living in Poverty

14:01 Finding a Family in a Church Community

21:11 Partnership in Marriage

24:51 A New Chapter with an Empty Nest

26:24 Changing the Story for Children in the Philippines: Rise and Rebuild

33:21 Midway

36:37 Teaching the Parents

40:08 Leadership and Missionary Work

41:37 Childhood Trauma Being Held at Gunpoint

44:56 Mission Presidents in Urdaneta, Philippines

48:24 Advice for Parents of Missionaries

54:20 Do Your Best and God will Do the Rest

56:00 Rapid Fire Questions

Key Takeaways:

💚 Rise and Rebuild is determined to end poverty in the Philippines.

💚 Be inspired by Trixie’s journey from poverty to leadership and ending poverty

💚 7,000 children receive nutritious meals daily thanks to Rise and Rebuild.

💚 Community support and education are key to sustainable change.

💚 Trixie emphasizes the importance of resilience and faith in overcoming challenges.

💚 The organization also focuses on building homes and sanitation stations.

💚 Trixie shares her experiences growing up in a simple village in the Philippines.

💚 Support Children in the Philippines by donating clothing for Christmas

💚 There is power in a community and you can make a difference where you are

Mentioned in the Show:

Please e-mail Becky at [email protected] if you're interested in volunteering to help with producing this show

Check out sendymom.com to submit your ideas for Sendy Adventures

HXP - Humanitarian Experience for Youth

Rise and Rebuild

Having Conversations with Teenagers: Screentime Limits, Procrastination, and Being Sendy

Hihintayin kita sa langit “I’ll Wait For You in Heaven” based on the book “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontë

Patricia Santa Cruz Espinosa on Facebook

Sendy Mom 2025 Clothing Drive to the Philippines:

Thank you so much for joining Sendy Moms all over the world in clothing children in the Philippines. This is a great opportunity to teach your own children compassion and be a mother to children who are struggling. 

All items need to be sent or dropped off by Friday, October 31, 2025. They really need shoes! But any clothing donations and clean underwear and socks are helpful. Here are instructions on getting donations to them. We have partnered with Julie Hess in Portland, OR who ships items every month to the Philippines. If you are sending items, please send them to her address in Portland. If you are in Utah and would like to bring donations by, I am planning on taking a trip to Portland in November and will take your items to her then. You can also send Venmo donations as well as shop and send any donations via the Amazon list. We have included a few ideas on the Amazon list. Feel free to buy as many as you’d like even if it shows it’s already been purchased or any other item that would fit children aged 4-12. We have at least 7,000 children we can help! 

Here are the links:

Sendy Mom 2025 Clothing Drive Philippines - Amazon List, Search for: Becky Brouwer

Drop off Donations to:

Becky Brouwer

10025 N 6300 W

Highland, UT 84003

Send Donations to:

Sendy Mom c/o Julie Hess

11140 SW Morgen Ct

Portland, OR 97223-3971

💚Be Sendy and Subscribe! Leave us a review or chat with us!💚

👉🏼Instagram

👉🏼Facebook

👉🏼YouTube 

👉🏼sendymom.com

👉🏼 Subscribe to the Sendy Mom Podcast: sendymom.com
👉🏼 Email Becky: [email protected]

What does it take to run a marathon, teach across cultures, launch a nonprofit, and still stay humble?

In this inspiring episode of the Sendy Mom Podcast, host Becky Brouwer sits down with Dr. Carmen Hall—pianist, master teacher, humanitarian, athlete, and mom. From growing up on a tree farm in Oregon to cycling mountain roads and performing on international stages, Carmen’s story is one of grit, resilience, and joy in the work.

Carmen shares the lessons she’s learned from family “sibling challenges,” teaching students worldwide, qualifying for the Boston Marathon, and creating spaces for community through music. She talks about finding your “Current Perfect,” redefining success, and keeping relationships strong through challenge and connection.

This conversation will leave you inspired to set meaningful goals, push beyond your comfort zone, and find joy in the work of becoming who you’re meant to be.

Meet my Guest:

Dr. Carmen Hall knows how to work hard! Growing up on a tree farm in Oregon taught her the grit and determination she would carry into every part of her life—as a triathlete, pianist, master teacher, humanitarian, and mother.

As a musician, Carmen has performed with symphonies and chamber groups, founded Young Pianists International to connect students across cultures, and launched the Timpanogos Chamber Music Series to bring live music to her Utah community. Her students have shared their talents around the world—from China and Japan to Washington, D.C.—and even Ghana.

At home, Carmen and her husband raised three boys who play everything from piano and guitar to mandolin, ukulele, organ, and even the nose flute. When she’s not making music, you’ll find her running marathons (yes, even Boston!) or cycling up a mountain.

For Carmen, life is about connection—through family, music, culture, and the courage to take on hard things.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Early Inspirations

02:10 Triathlons and Marathons: Better as you Get Older

03:30 Introducing Dr. Carmen Hall: Getting a PhD

05:21 Growing Up on A Tree Farm in Oregon

07:21 Sibling Challenges: Hiking, Biking, Traveling Together

11:11 International Experiences and Cultural Exchange

13:15 Grit and Perseverance Learned Through Example

16:02 Getting Motivated: What Success Looks Like

18:23 Helping Children Own Their Choices

19:27 The Boston Marathon

22:53 Find Your Current Perfect

26:24 Midway

28:29 Setting and Achieving Goals for the Right Reason

34:54 Motivating Children

37:02 Non-Profits: UMTA and Timpanogos Chamber Music Series

38:40 Find a Group to be a Part of 

40:50 Rapid Fire Questions

Key Takeaways:

-Carmen’s journey in music began at a young age, influenced by her family's musical background.

-The importance of setting personal goals and pushing oneself out of comfort zones.

-Carmen emphasizes the value of mentorship in both teaching and personal development.

-Running has been a significant part of Carmen's life, showcasing her competitive spirit.

-Defining success is a personal journey that varies for each individual.

-Resilience is built through experiences, both good and bad, in life and performance.

-Community and collaboration are essential in the music world and beyond.

-Carmen’s approach to teaching encourages students to find their passion and motivation.

-Asking questions and seeking help is crucial in any endeavor, including starting a nonprofit.

-Finding joy in teaching and music is a driving force in Carmen's life.

-Practice getting uncomfortable

-What it takes to run a Marathon and to qualify for the Boston Marathon

-Finding out who you are when your children have left the nest

-Find joy in learning to be competent at something and then sharing it

-Do something big by beginning and asking for help along the way

-Playing a musical instrument is a good way to keep your brain active and your body moving

-You can go back to school later in life

-Mentorship has a huge impact on success

-Positive Parenting involves giving your children choices

-Improvement comes from finding your “Current Perfect”

Mentioned in the Show:

Please e-mail Becky at [email protected] if you're interested in volunteering to help with producing this show

Check out sendymom.com to submit your ideas for Sendy Adventures

UMTA (Utah Music Teachers Association)

Timpanogos Symphony Orchestra

Timpanogos Chamber Music Series

MTNA (Music Teachers National Association)

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Die with Zero by Bill Perkins

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

The Girl with the Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

Instagram: @CarmenHall88keys

YouTube: @dr.carmenhall674

<...

Ever feel like no one really gets what it’s like to parent a neurodivergent child? Children with ADHD or Autism have needs and so do their parents.

You’re not alone. In this episode of The Sendy Mom Podcast, I sit down with the hilarious and refreshingly real Marci Morrison, (@marcibmor) mom of seven amazing kids—two are on the autism spectrum and most of them have ADHD. Marci keeps it honest about the messy, beautiful, exhausting, and rewarding reality of parenting differently-wired children. We talk about the grief parents don’t always admit, the importance of asking for help, and how to teach your kids to advocate for themselves. If you’ve ever felt unseen as a mom, this episode is your permission slip to feel your feelings and know you’re doing enough.

Meet my Guest:

Marci Morrison (@marcibmor) has spent her life serving others. Sacrificing for her family has been her mantra. Parenting 7 children, 2 with severe autism and most of the rest with ADHD, she has learned to give herself grace and not to sweat the small stuff. She is a colorful example of living a life filled with standing up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. Having supported her husband in successful technology start-ups, they have been a team of support for their children in navigating difficult social situations, education, and mental self-advocacy. Marci is genuine, open, and not afraid to say it how it is. 

Chapters:

00:00 Aerospace, Mining, and Marketing: Introducing Marci Morrison

02:51 Diverse Path to Motherhood: Nannying, Infertility, Adoption

05:27 Responsibilities of Growing Up On a Farm in Upstate New York

08:48 Managing Stress in an Unbalanced Marriage

10:53 Managing Disappointment in Fertility

16:10 Health Challenges: Coping with Cancer and Covid Fears

18:56 Raising Neurodivergent Children

22:50 Balancing Being a Mom and Having a Career

28:06 Autism and ADHD: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

35:31 Unexpected Blessing of Covid: Family Time

38:25 Advocating for Neurodivergent Kids

43:43 Asking for Support: Your Circle of Excellence

45:38 Child Development: Recognizing When Something isn't Right

50:48 Autism and Shine Syndrome

01:03:37 All Things Work Together for Good

01:05:58 Building a Community for Special Needs

01:12:38 Rapid Fire Questions

Key Takeaways:

• Parenting neurodivergent kids comes with both grief and joy—it’s okay to feel both.
• You can ask for help and build a community; you don’t have to do this alone.
• Advocating for your child is powerful, but so is teaching them to advocate for themselves.
• Flexibility and humor are key survival tools in autism and ADHD parenting.
• It’s okay to grieve the expectations you once had for your child while fully loving who they are.
• Support circles (“your circle of excellence”) can make or break your parenting journey.
• Letting go of “sweating the small stuff” creates more peace at home.
• Resilience as a parent grows when you give yourself permission to be human.

Mentioned in the Show:

Please e-mail Becky at [email protected] if you're interested in volunteering to help with producing this show

Check out sendymom.com to submit your ideas for Sendy Adventures

A Walk on Water

Disneyworld

💚Be Sendy and Subscribe! Leave us a review or chat with us!💚

👉🏼Instagram

👉🏼Facebook

👉🏼YouTube

👉🏼sendymom.com

👉🏼 Subscribe to the Sendy Mom Podcast: sendymom.com
👉🏼 Email Becky: [email protected]