"Down in the Mouth"

A lot has happened since my last post!  My oldest, Raegan is now in the process of getting BRACES!  That my not be a big deal to y'all , till you realize all that goest into it.  First of all, getting insurance to cover orthodontice is like "pulling teeth" (yes, pun intended!). Also, it seems that orthodontists have fallen through that loophole that allows them to charge tons of money and not have to be regulated either!

 WARNING:  The people in this story are NOT actors, but their names have been changed to protect retarted, overcharging HACKS!

The first ortho consult with "Dr. Bellybutton Lint" (ok, it's Lintz...but I like mine better!) was interesting.  He seemed to have perfected the art of giving tons of information without ACTUALLY telling me anything I needed to know.  He kept it all very vague.  It seemed as if he wanted to leave it open enough to be able to add fees wherever possible.  His name should have been "MR CROOK".  In the end, he gave me an estimate of over $6,300, but not a confirmed estimate....it was one that "could change depending on the extent of possible further care needed"

The second consult was with "Dr. Brastrap" (ok, so it's Brazones, but , again, I like mine better!).  She was like the "Beverly Hills" of orthodontists.  She had wonderful people, wonderful facilities, and a great treatment plan. HOWEVER, she wanted well over $8,000 for care! 

The third consult was with a nice man, "Dr. Haystack" (Heyhurst!) He was terned as a "general orthodontist" If I could have gone through him, it would have been a DREAM......3500 bucks!  However, Rae's mouth was too much of a mess....it was beyond his abilities.

Now, on to number FOUR.....Dr Shoelace (NOT...Schultz....yeah, didn't do a very good job of changing names!) .  He was nice, the people were nice, and he was HONEST.....amazing!  He was also very clear about Treatment prices.  He allowed an interest free payment plan as well!  I was also notified that the first two  orthos were giving treatment additions that were not necessary!  The final cost, a little over $5,000 and that includes EVERYTHING!  EVEN, subsequent ortho needs! 

Now, we had a good consult, but we just had to figure out where the money was going to come from with one stay at home mom and a dad on unemployment.  God worked that out too!  We were able to secure an interest free loan from my mom and dad  for the amount we would need till next tax time!

PRAISE GOD!!!  He always makes a way!

Cavity City!

It's been quite a while since I've blogged.  In fact, I've only blogged one other time since I opened this blog in the fall!  Life has been so busy that I haven't had time to stop and type!  That being said, I thought I'd stop in and drop a little ditty off before I wander into the kitchen to try making sense of the mess before making another mess by baking!

Tuesday was "Dentist" day.  We have a wonderful dentist for our children. She is willing to schedule all five of our kiddos back to back so we can get it all over with on one day every six months!  If you knew my children (wonderful though they are) you'd realize what a great sacrifice that is for them! 

First up: Valerie(2yrs) She doesn't yet have full blown appointments. She is afraid to have people picking around at her teeth, so the Dentist just sits her down puts some sunglasses on her and talks to her while peaking at her teeth.  Dr. Makowski has done such a wonderful job that it looks like next time she will be able to give Valerie a full blown appointment!

During that same time, my oldest, Raegan(14) also had her appointment.  The hygienist found ANOTHER tooth that would not come out on  it's own.  Most of her teeth have been that way.  She doesn't know it yet, but, at her next apt., she has to have it pulled.

Jennah(12) and Trevor's(9) apts were pretty uneventful.  Kyle's(5), however, was NOT!  The dentist found no less than 6 cavities! 

The problem :  ME!  I have so much going on all the time that Certain things tend to fall by the wayside.  Such as reminding children to brush their teeth!  The older two have finally gotten it for the most part.  The younger three, however, are less understanding of the importance of brushing. 

I have often asked God to help me solve the children's dental issues.  However, the prayers have been related to Orthodontic care funding rather than ideas on how to get the children's teeth BRUSHED twice daily!

So, while standing in the Dentists office, feeling sad for Kyle, embarrassed that I haven't helped them keep better hygiene, and worried that I won't be able to "figure out" this problem. 

The Lord "Instant Messaged" my brain.....!  The Heavenly Father thought enough of my children to send me a little idea. 

The Idea:  Give the Children "Brushing Buddies"!  When Raegan brushes her teeth, Trevor tags along.  When Jennah Brushes hers, she brings Kyle, and I will bring ValGal!

Simple, but what a wonderful solution! 

God is ALWAYS faithful!  It isn't just in what we would call the HUGE matters of life, funerals, marriages, ...etc.....It's in EVERYTHING!  The Isaacs' song goes "If He watches o'er the sparrow, and he clothed the earth and ground.  How much more, he loves me, what a Comfort I have found!" 

To be more "Spiritually Correct" The KJV Bible says in Matthew 10: 29-31

29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing ? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered . 31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows

He really DOES love us and He wants to care for our every need....IF we will let Him!