Why we love our Dentist

A few weeks ago we got an invitation to our Dentists annual Patient Appreciation party. I have never had a dentist who "appreciated" his patients with a party, but then again I have never had a dentist quite like mine. He was a counselor in the bishopric when we moved to Spanish Fork. Just moving to a new area we had the need to find a new dentist - and there one was conducting Sacrament meeting. So I checked our insurances website to make sure he was on our "preferred Provider" list and then called his office to find out if he was taking new patients - luckily he was so we joined the Dr. Jones, Ford and Hillaim family.

That was about 7 years ago. The first time I went was a little uncomfortable. It was a really nice place - and we aren't "really nice" people. I was afraid we were going to be escorted out. But they took us in and not only cleaned our teeth but made us their friends. It didn't take long for the kids to look forward to dentist visits like they do their birthdays. When we get the little appointment reminder postcards in the mail the kids start the countdown. "How many more days till we get to go to the dentist", they ask on an hourly basis. "Bless that we can we go to the dentist in 8 more days" is included in the nightly prayers. There was a time when Dallin wasn't brushing - at all - so that he could get some cavities so he could go twice in 6 months.

Rachel just recently came of age and got to experience her first dental visit. She was beside herself with excitement. The other kids had prepped her well and you'd have a hard time distinguishing what would excite her more - the dentist or a trip to Disneyland. Her appointment was all she dreamed it would be and more - she thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait to go back. So whats so great about our dentist.

First of all when you walk in the door one of the lovely assistants, in coordinating clothes, magically comes into the waiting room to greet you and each of your kids by name. They always compliment you on how good you look and quietly congratulate you (me at least) on how much weight you have lost and give you a hug. If I had really lost all the weight they have alluded to over the years the scale would read a negative number - but still they say it - and I drink it in. I have wondered if they have hidden cameras in the parking lot so that they can see you get out of your car -then quickly find your file, look through it referencing the pictures they secretly took of you while they had you in the x-ray machine that spins around your head taking pictures of you at every angle. They use the pictures to remember your name past weight, and other interesting facts they had gleaned from you at your last visit- as you tried the best you could to answer their questions through their hand as it sat in your mouth.

After greeting and flattering you they either invite you back or if they aren't quite ready for you they invite you to read a magazine or enjoy their beautiful shark tank while you sip an ice cold water while you wait. Periodically someone comes through to "check" on you and make sure you haven't gotten thirsty and aren't ready for more water.

Once back in the examining room after you are comfortabley seated, your preference of music has been established and put on the ipod they start the cleaning by having you rinse with mouth wash. It is this antibacterial stuff that smells minty fresh. I think this is for their comfort more than yours but they never allude to it. They then take your blood pressure - for what I am not sure. Then they start in on the x-rays and cleaning. When the hygienist, mine is Enid, is all finished scraping the 6 inch layer of tarter off your teeth, flourideing you up and marveling at how amazing you are for being able to brush your teeth at all - since you are so busy with all your beautiful children - she quietly and kindly hints how wonderful it would be if you could try to brush your teeth everyday. She then uses the tiny little microphone attached to the "color of the day" blouse that she and all the other assistants are wearing to summon the Dr.

Dr. Jones quickly comes in and starts in on the compliments again, and then gives you a run down of the "tiny" little cavities in your kids' mouth that he will take care of for them. While doing this he is giving you a neck massage which doubles for a cancer of the neck, jaw and tongue check. Finding you lump free he scans the x-ray pictures that magically appear on the big screen in front of you. He then compliments you on how good your teeth are and wonders if you would like any of your old silver fillings switched for nice new composite ones. After he is all done he thanks you and leaves the assistant to clean you up. She discreetly wipes any saliva that may have escaped your mouth, ran down your cheek and pooled in your neck. She then offers you one of their sample lipsticks in a wide variety of color (I believe this is only for the women - as Rick has never been offered a lipstick touch up). After you are all taken care of she walks you over to talk to Linda - the billing lady who once again marvels at how wonderful you look and how good it is to see you and then tells you she is not worried about your bill because your insurance will probably pay the whole thing.

Linda then walks you to the waiting room where an assistant is waiting to offer you a cold, juice or water, a warm cookie from the otis "something or other" cookie oven, or another healthy snack (animal crackers, goldfish crackers, pretzels or vanilla wafers) served in clear little plastic cups. This last part is the kids favorite. They love to get the little cans of apple juice several cups full of crackers and a cookie to munch on as soon as the time on clock matches the time on their "I had fluoride today - wait until _____ to eat" sticker that is on their shirt. They don't mind the wait to eat because they are busy playing with the prizes they got to choose out of the treasure chest or dreaming of what they are going to buy with their Toys R Us gift certificate the dr sends them when they have all the boxes on their teeth brushing chart filled in. We then go home and wait another 6 months till we can do it all over again.

If that wasn't enough they also host a yearly party to show their great appreciation for having you as a patient so that your insurance company sends them a lot of money. Last year their party was in the summer at 7 Peaks - this year they choose to do a Fall party at Hee Haws. I have never been to Hee Haws - it is a farm they convert to "one of Utah Counties favorite Fall and Halloween destination". Notably it is also home of Leroy the famous 1200 lb pig. We didn't get to see Leroy but the kids did chase and sometimes catch some cute little piglets.

They had dinner, hay rides, a corn mazes, and lots of other fun little farm themed activities. Such as the corn pit - a big box (like a sand box) full of kernels of corn for the kids to dig in and mostly throw at each other. They also had several slides made out of pipes and other things you might find on a farm. Then there was the barnyard - one of the kids favorite. They had pigs, goats, chickens and ducks for you to pet, chase and pick up. Rachel loved to carry the chickens around.

They also had ride - kind of like a carousel with swings attached that went in a circle. It was like those things you seen mules attached to that have to walk in a circle so they turn some lever to do something. I actually have no understanding of how it works- you just see it on shows like Little house on the prairie. Anyway the kids loved it - and it did look like a lot of fun. The most amazing part is that a woman had to push it. She gets all the kids seated in a swing and strapped in then she goes to the center of the turning thing holds onto the bar and starts running around in a circle. I felt really sorry for her -she was huffing and puffing and bright red but she kept on running - around and around pushing the swings faster and faster to the delight of the children. I wondered why they couldn't get some mules or now that it is the 21st century maybe even a motor or something to do the work.

The whole evening was a lot of fun - other than it was very cold. We were all bundled up but still shivering. I guess that is just what happens in October in Utah. We had to leave at 7:00 to get to Parent Teacher Conferences but after dark the corn maze became haunted and other spooky things began to happen - but we missed that part.

All in all we felt like very appreciated patients and are very happy to be part of the Dr. Jones, Ford and Hillam family. We definitely feel that all the money our insurance companies sends to Dr. Jones is well worth the royal treatment we get being their patients.

My cleaning lady

I just turned 34. It's not a whole lot different than 33 - at least not that I've noticed yet. But it was a good birthday. When ask what I want I typically respond with something like - obedient kids, or a nice clean house or something like that. Which is true. Well this year when I mentioned a clean house the kids took notice. Due to their lack of interest in house cleaning and somewhat lazy natures they didn't actual clean the house. And they didn't start doing their chores or turn into the little kitchen fairies my Dad seems to believe in but they did give me a clean house. They hired the girl next door to do it. Our neighbor, McKenna, had recently started a little house cleaning business and brought around fliers. At three dollars an hour she was in their budget, so Anna, Taylor and Dallin each bought me an hour of house cleaning. I was thrilled.

McKenna was very professional and arrived with all her own supplies and ask me where she should begin. She started with the bathroom. She went in and shut the door and I didn't hear from her for almost an hour when she came out to ask me to help her open the toilet cleaner. Door closed again. About 15 minutes later she came out and ask me to help her because she knocked the shower curtain down. She finished cleaning the tub, took out the trash and asked me what was next. I went in to inspect. The first thing that hit me was how good it smelled, so fresh and clean. She must splurge and get something more than comet cleanser. It looked great too – spotless in fact. While it did take her about 10 times longer than it takes me – it was worth it. It looked great and I didn't have to do it.


Having a cleaning lady, makes me feel a bit elite. I never thought I would be rich, or snobby, enough to have a cleaning lady. (No offense to those who do, just a little jealous here.) I am just not really in that class- you know the one, where the wife is too busy with having her eyebrows waxed, lunch at the club, shopping at Ann Taylor, and picking up her Baby Gap dressed children at the Gymboree, to clean her own 7000 sq foot home. I am more the clearance rack at Walmart, bushy eyebrowed kind of mom who sends her kids out back to play while she eats the rest of their pbj for lunch. I am the “scrub my own toilet” kind of woman always have been, and thought I always would be. But now that I have a cleaning girl and have had a taste of the good life it will be hard to go back – but for only $3 an hour maybe I won't have to.

I am hoping she comes again soon. I am going to have her do the blinds next. Hopefully she is a bit faster on blinds than she is with bathrooms because I've also got some vents that need cleaned, some dusty furniture, a floor that could use a good mopping and the list goes on and on. I just wish she was a bit older - I am a little afraid that 9 is young enough child labor laws might come into play here and I would sure hate to lose my cleaning lady.

A little Christmas Cash

I've been doing a little window shopping lately - getting ready to make my Christmas list. I am really excited this year cause I just know I am going to get a really nice present from Taylor and Dallin. You see they recently came into some money and as their most favorite person I am sure to reap some of the windfall.

They are definitely feeling rich, or at least like they will be pretty rich. They are both about to receive 2 payments of 40 dollars each. That is $80, a fortune for my kids. They earned it by being a guinea pig. They let our doctor inject them with a new form of flu shot. All they had to do is sit there while the dr talked to me for what seemed like an hour and then made me fill out what seemed like 1000 forms. I didn't actually count but I am pretty sure I signed and initialled less forms when I bought my house. Meanwhile the boys sat there fantasizing over what they were going to spend their money on and letting their arms get numb.

The study also wanted to know if they had any immunity to the flu before getting the shot. This required a blood draw, and for some reason the doctor thought this required the numbing of their arms. Now I have gotten my blood draw more times than I care to count and I have never been numbed for it. I was a bit irritated that my boys were. Like I have mentioned before I do not want my kids growing up to be wimps. A little blood draw does not, in my book, require numbing. Nevertheless they numbed them, took a tiny bit of their blood, which they did not feel at all and then a tiny little poke later they were 80 dollars richer and hopefully immuned from the flu.

Rick was in the waiting room with Ryan, Anna and Rachel while the boys were selling themselves. It took a good hour or so, so the kids were very happy to see us. Rachel went absolutely ballistic when the boys came out with lollipops in their mouths. She started hollering I'm sick, I'm so sick - over and over again. She's pretty smart - she knows you see the doctor when you are sick and the doctor gave Taylor and Dallin a lollipop. Therefore she was sick. She didn't quite her yelling until the doctor came out and gave her a handful of lollipops. I am sure they were happy to see us leave the waiting room. I am hoping to use that to my advantage.

While we did make a tidy sum of money on last weeks visit we didn't get what we came for - the H1N1 shot, so another doctor visit will be coming soon. I am hoping the nurses take one look at Rachel, remember her and meet us in the waiting rooms with our H1N1 shots when the next shipment comes in.

I called in this morning and ask if they had the vaccinations in. They said, we sure do just come in this evening between 5-6 and we will give it to you. Well from previous experience I knew that between 5-6 was their flu shot clinics and the waiting room would be packed so I thought we better be prepared for a long wait. Since we were meeting Rick we couldn't go much before 5:30 when he could leave work, so we shot for 5;15. We were late, like usual, and walked in the door at 5:30. Signed the forms and waited to get called back. About an hour later the doctor came out and called for attention. He said they only had a few shots left and would have to start giving them to the high risk patients first. So they went through and identified all those who qualified as high risk. We didn't make the cut. Next the nurse handed him a little yellow sticky note. "I have a list of the next 5 families on the list in the order they arrived." he said. The tension in the room was thick. "We will just go down the list and do as many as we can." he said. I was a bit nervous until he called Carter. We were first I was so relieved I jumped up like we had won a prize or something saying "that's us". Unfortunately so did the lady next to me. Two Carter families right in a row. Which Carter would it be - I honestly didn't remember if we had come in first or not. I may never know because the doctor took a look at my kids all lined up next to me and ask how many we had in the family. We need 5 shots I said. "We don't have that many," he said, "and I'd like to complete the whole family at once". The other Carters only had 2 kids so they go the shots. I felt like a loser. But the doctor came back with an offer for us that Taylor and Dallin just couldn't refuse. I sure my hope Christmas present makes it all worth it.

Soccer, Soccer and more soccer

Soccer is over at least until April. I love that my kids play soccer. I love to see them be part of a team, to play hard, to excel and most of all to love doing it. It is not that I love going to a soccer game every night of the week - because truthfully that gets a little old, but I love that they play.

Soccer season makes life hectic but it is only about 6 weeks then it is over. This year I enjoyed it a bit more than past seasons - I think because I had it easy. I wasn't coaching (YEAH!!!) and I only had 2 players and they played on opposite nights. So even though I had 4 games a week, I only had 1 game each night.







In the past I have had multiple games a night sometimes at the same time in different parks. Which has been an absolute nightmare - especially the season I coached pregnant and with Ryan on my hip. So realistically it has definately been my easiest season yet - although it still made life crazy busy.



Taylor's games are getting later in the evening which means Rick made a couple of them. The downfall to this is that it is harder to take pictures because it is getting dark and the big lights they turn on don't work out that well for pictures.

Ryan's games were early enough that Rick was only able to come to 1 of them. Luckily it was his best game ever. I think he played extra hard for Daddy. He kicked the ball several times that game. I am usually ecstatic if his foot comes in contact with the ball even if just in an accidental passing. But he absolutely loved it. I am looking forward to watching him get better each season.


Taylor is getting really good. His games are really fun to watch - they are very competitive and perhaps it is just because I am his mom but I think he is one of the better players out there. He thinks so too and he's not to shy to admit it ( which is why our next fhe lesson should be on humility)

The Beauty of Winter

I shouldn't be so negative about winter. It really does have its few saving graces. Very few. I noticed this morning as I was running that it really is beautiful. The mountains with the red trees and snowy caps, the way the sun shimmers off the layer of ice on the wheat fields and the stillness the cold seems to bring, really are beautiful. Of course they are kind of hard to see through the fog my breath makes. But if I can get past the icy wind slapping my face, the throbbing tingling of my fingertips ears and front teeth and the stiff numbness of my joints and muscles I could really enjoy a morning winter run. And of course there is always my favorite part of winter- a garage full of ice cold diet coke. The thing is as much as I hate to admit it Utah really is beautiful in the winter- if only it weren't so cold.

What happened to Fall?

You hear a lot about climate change these days. Global warming, melting ice caps all kinds of weird stuff is happening to our weather. I don't really understand it and frankly I don't really think I believe it either - but one thing I am not to happy about is the disappearance of fall. We skipped it. We went from 90 to snow. No cool crisp autumn days just the biting cold of winter. There were a few days this summer when it felt like there might be something to this global warming thing but the last year or two it seems like winter comes early stays late and hits with a vengeance. Almost like the earth is trying to prove it is not heating up. I couldn't believe it snowed in September. I think snow is a wonderful beautiful thing on Thanksgiving Day and the week before and after Christmas. That is it. The normal blanket of snow that arrives in November and stays until April is more than enough agony for me to endure. A snowy September is going to push me over the edge. Maybe that is why it didn't stick. Just one awful day of bitter cold with thick icy snowish rain falling all day long. That one day was enough.

The bitter cold, icy wind and wet dirty snow of winter really does depress me. It was more than hard to see it arrive so soon this year. Some women go shopping when depressed - some women eat. I do both. I ate all the rest of rice crispy ice cream bars that were in my freezer. Those things are sooo good. And then since I didn't want to get wet on my way to the store I logged in and started shopping online. I bought just what I needed to lift my spirits and give myself the strength to endure another winter. A vacation, an escape from this dark frozen nightmare I live through 6 months a year. Tickets to the Caribbean.

I actually didn't have to buy mine I had thought ahead and applied for a travel rewards credit card and racked up enough frequent flier miles to get a free ticket. I got in last year just for this purpose. I suggested Rick get one too. He didn't do it. I told him he would be sorry when I was laying on a beautiful beach in St. Thomas and he was trudging through the snow and bitter wind to scrap off his windshield before braving the icing roads to get to work. I guess he really lucked out this time. The snow in September depressed me enough that I need to buy something and since I didn't have to buy myself a ticket I bought one for him.

So now we are both going. I have mixed feeling about this. On one hand I wouldn't have much fun snorkeling by myself. Going skinny dipping with out him wouldn't be quite the same. I'm too scared to drive over there so I would have to take the taxi and that is a bit scary too. He always makes everything more enjoyable. He is my best friend and I would rather be with him than anyone else, I really do need him to be with me in able to enjoy the trip. But then I don't' get the sweet satisfaction that comes from being right. He didn't plan ahead, prepare and make sacrifices. So he shouldn't get the reward - right. Something in me wants to point my finger at him like an Ice Age dodo bird and squawk. "If you weren't smart enough to plan ahead then DOOM ON YOU!" I told him he wouldn't get to go and yet he does. It may not be fair but I really want him to come - so he get too. I am guessing this means he will never see the benefit to frequent flier credit cards.