The Tooth Fairy Strikes Again

For the second time this year, the tooth fairy will be visiting our house.  This time it was forced.  Stephen had an opening in hygiene today and it was time for Cavett to have his cleaned.  After his cleaning and exam with no cavities, it was pretty clear that the lower tooth he had been wiggling for several months needed to come out.  His adult tooth was coming in too far behind. 

I am so proud of Cavett.  I sat with him as Dad was ever so gentle and very strategic in word and needle as he numbed Cavett up.  Cavett said the first little bit of medicine gave him a little pinch, but he didn't feel it the second or third time and that it felt really funny and fat after a bit.  The "pliers" were grabbed, a bit of blood showed; I became queasy and sat down on the chair with Cavett.  The tooth still had a pretty good root on it.  Next came the "scaler" and more blood; I was light-headed.  The whole time Cavett is cool as a cucumber.  The tooth came out and that is when it really hit me, but "whew" it was over!

The good news is: when you have to get a tooth pulled at the dentist, the tooth fairy brings you more money.  We'll see how much there is in the "tooth fairy" wallet...

On another note, both boys belt tested today in Karate.  Cavett is now a Camoflouge belt and will go to a new class.  Kendrick is now an orange Tiger belt.  This means more time doing after school activites and waiting for classes, since there is not enough time to go home and come back between classes since they aren't back to back....

Snaggle-Toothed

It's happening.  My little boy is getting adult teeth.  This is a huge milestone!  They are actually called adult teeth.  He is one step closer to adulthood.  He is loosing those sweet tiny teeth he was born with and will soon have what seems to be monstrous teeth compared to his little smile. 

We first noticed it a little wiggly about 3 weeks ago and encouraged wiggling.  By this past Tuesday he began complaining of that tooth hurting, so I knew those roots were gone and short sharp stubs were left.  I asked him on Friday before I left to wait and try not to pull it until his Dad and I got home on Sunday.  But, that was not possible.  It was bugging him so bad that he sat in church with Grandmama and wiggled it the entire time.

After they got back home, he went off alone and yanked the thing out of his head.  He said it didn't hurt and that there was very little blood.  No big deal. 

For the past 2 years if you would have asked him what he wants to be when he grows up, he would say that he wants to be a dentist like his Dad.  He is now well underway to that goal, with his first tooth pulled by himself.  If he follows this path, this is only one of a lifetime he will get to pull.

No matter how many holes there are, I will still always love that heart-melting smile.

A New Blog

It seems I get to be the editor for a new blog...

Check it out! 

Also, click here to see the new office website!

The Mission

Today was deemed Potty Training Boot Camp Day for Kendrick.  I got the wetting baby doll from sister #2, found the book at Half Price Books, took notes on my phone, gathered all the needed supplies (paper towels, cleaning spray, step stool, juices of all sorts and treats of many kinds,) and place his underwear within reach  We camped out in the kids hallway to play where all the games are (and no carpet) and I brought in books and puzzles. 

Kendrick taught the baby doll how to "go."  He really seemed to get into it and like it, surprisingly.  We put on big boy underware and started drinking lots of juice.  After 30 minutes, nothing.  The clock chimes ten times, still nothing.  By this point we have checked ourselves multiple times and tried to go at least 4 times.  Along comes 11:00 and I am tired of sitting on the hard wood floor.  We get up and walk around and he decided he wants to go upstairs and play.  I told him we can't because he has to go potty first.  A couple of minutes pass by and then he says excitedly, "I need to go potty!"  And, by george, we made it and all was perfect and right in the world. 

Unfortunately, that's kinda where it ends.  As we were upstairs time passed too quickly playing and he missed an opportunity being too distracted.  We did all the practicing back and forth multiple times and he was responsible and cleaned up.  Cavett and Dad came home and things got a little crazier.  Naptime came and we put a pull-up on. 

After 2 hours, I woke him up from his nap.  He had gone in his sleep, but we tried anyway with success.  Again, we downward spiral from here.  Accident at 4--practice, immediately following clean up-another accident, immediately following that clean up-another, and that is where I lost it.  It was over for me.  

Ok, the positive: 

1.  He did go more times today than he ever has on the potty. 

2. He can put on his underware and pull them up and down all by himself. 

3. I got to spend a ton of semi-uninterrupted time with him. 

4. He has the right idea and he will have it eventually, I mean the kid won't go to Kindergarden in diapers, I'm sure!  

As for the eldest child, Cavett got to be Dad's personal assistant.  They went to deliver dental gift baskets to several area businesses that send patients his way and he got to visit the lab where they make "fake" teeth.  They had a special father-son lunch at Pei Wei and threw in a little Mario Brothers as well. 

I'm sure it will be a day remembered by all...... 

Las Vegas Institute

For the past 5 years Stephen has been going to Las Vegas to attend and teach classes at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies.  This is an institute that offers specialized training in Restorative, Occlusal, Ortho, Implant, Endodontic, Laboratory, Practice Management and Team Training.  I have been to a couple of their yearly destination meetings, but never to the LVI campus.  It was a long standing joke that Stephen was just coming out here to live his double life. 

Well, I have now visited and had the campus tour.  It's real.  This week's course was on dental implants.  I got here on the last day of the course when they were actually drilling and placing the implant using a model.  Stephen had previously done it on his Dad and so he let me do the procedure.  It really was pretty interesting and fun.  Easy as pie, by the way.  Now, add in salava, a tongue, and blood and then, I'm not so sure.  I get to watch them do it on an actual patient this afternoon.  We will see if my stomach stays in place!   

The Nod

This week we have been given a few more "signs" as to the confirmation of us moving to Allen. I believe God and coincidences are the same thing. He has a big hand in this very small world.

First, yesterday Stephen's office received a phone. The man on the phone stated that he was a doctor, and asked to speak to Stephen. Turns out it was Dr. Moore, the former minister at St. Luke's UMC in Houston where we used to go to church. He said he was calling because he had gotten a letter in the mail stating that his dentist was selling his practice to a Stephen Hill from Houston and wondered if it was the same one he knew. Wow! Small world, big God.

This week we have also enjoyed having some Kendrick alone time as Cavett has been at Granmama and Grandaddy's for the week. They have done some fishing and Cavett went to their VBS in Grand Saline. However, we got a call this morning saying that they were headed to the doctor's office, here in Dallas. He was having some tests run trying to find out what has been going on with him. So, we met them at the hospital and traded off. Since it is Thursday, Stephen is able to stay with them today and help with all the medical stuff. We knew we wanted to be closer to family, but I was hoping that this wouldn't be the reason.

It is really hitting me hard, really hard--Richard is now my "here on earth Daddy". We love him. Stephen needs him, I need him and my kids really need him. They need male role-models in their life and I love watching them on the farm with him and Stephen. Please keep him in your prayers.

He Speaks

And now....what you've all been waiting for! The moment is here!

This has been my on going blog about our transition for about a month. Stephen wouldn't let me publish it until everything was more final.


"For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace." Ecclesiates 3:1-8


(written February 16th)


Since the last week in January with a bit of heaviness on our hearts, Stephen and I have been seeking God's wisdom and guidance fervently. We are making the biggest decision of our lives. Some would say--"It wasn't getting married or having kids?" No way, this pales in comparison. We have always wanted to have kids and getting married was a no-brainer. But to decide where Stephen is to practice dentistry until he retires is a complete different ball game and in a whole new league. This location will decide where we go to church, where our children go to school, how far we must travel to see family, and who are friends are, just to name a few. This is big!

Just after this initial decision to begin looking for our "resting" place, Stephen volunteered to teach our Sunday School class. Since he was struggling with the subject, he decided to selfishly teach the 2 weeks on "Hearing God's Voice." The first week went well and we became focused on the ways to hear God and some of the obstacles that our in our way to hear Him. The second week, he didn't feel as prepared and was unsure of what to say. But, laying in bed early Sunday morning, God gave him an exercise to use with the class. We each drew names of people in the class and had a minute or two of intercessory prayer asking God to speak to us about the person whose name they had drawn. Whoever had Stephen was given the word "patience." Seems appropriate and it was a very powerful prayer time.

Over Valentine's weekend we went to Dallas to look at 5 practices that were for sale. We saw the first 3 and weren't moved. When it came time for #4 in Allen, there was a snafu with getting into the building so we had to meet with the doctor at the library across the street. Just from our conversation I could tell that he was a godly man--a man to be trusted and who believed in Jesus. He even noted that he sees all clergy for free and all other doctors for half price. We felt at ease and eager to see the office. By the end of our conversation, we were still unable to see the office. We decided to go see the 5th office and keep in touch with the Allen doctor if the office became available.

Office #5 was a bust and we couldn't find an excuse to leave fast enough. By this time it was close to 3:00 pm and our tummys were hungry! As we ate, we discussed what we had seen in the physical buildings that day and what were the pros and cons. A major point for me--the floor where the dental chairs are must NOT be carpeted! Eeeeew!!!! After, we decided to head back toward Allen in hopes that the building was clear. Luckily, the building was now free. As we headed toward the front door I saw a type of cornerstone/plaque. It wasn't on the corner of the building, but in the center between the two doors. I really didn't have time to really read it as we went in, but was able to catch the Scripture--Isaiah 28:16. It reads, "The Lord said, "Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem. It is firm, a tested and precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never run away. "

Now if this isn't a sign from God, I don't know what is unless he flat appeared to me and said, "Jennifer, Stephen--this is it!" I believe He is telling us this is the practice and that no matter what, if we trust in Him, He will not disappoint us and will take care of us. We now have to work out the details and figure out logistics. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. I just have to keep remembering to put all my trust in Him. We will be fine.

"Cast all your cares on him because he cares for you." I Peter 5:7






"We are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself." Ephesians 2:20

By the way, this one is free of carpet in the dental chair area! :)


THE SAGA CONTINUES..... (written March 4)

The week after the Valentine's Day meeting I told Stephen that this was pointless to pursue if he can't get out of his contract with his current employer. (Trust me, this was a sticky contract.) He agreed and talked to his boss. When he came home he shared just how kind and understanding his boss was. We were floored. Actually, shocked might be a better description. We didn't even celebrate it was so stunning. This thing was actually going to happen after 10 years. Now, it's still not in writing from the boss. But, I just can't help but believe that God softened his heart.



The 26th of February we drove back up and enjoyed a visit with our college and dental school friends, Trumon and Adrianne. The little boys enjoyed each others company as well, but the visit was too short.

The next morning we headed to Allen to look at houses. We met with two different realtors and looked at several houses, none of which were "the one." Between meetings we stopped off at Custer Road UMC. We took a tour of the Day School there and as we were in the hall a familiar face walked in the door from the playground. It was Melissa, my sister's sister-in-law! I had no idea that she was back in the classroom. It was yet another sign and I plopped down the boys registration.

That evening we left the kids with my future sister-in-law's roommate and we went to visit the other dentist with whom Stephen would be sharing the office space. It was a good meeting and he seems very down-to-earth, trustworthy and reliable--an all around nice guy. There are still tiny details to hammer out, but we are still headed down this path.

After returning home we have been scouring the internet for houses to see for our next trip up during Spring Break. I had really become bummed out because I have realized just how much I LOVE my house here in Sugar Land and how much of a deal we got on it. I haven't been able to find a floor plan that I love. But, last night I think I happened on just the right plan. It was mainly one story with a possibility to build out more on the second floor, but we really don't need that space now. The backyard is big enough for a pool or three. It has just about everything I wanted, but it seemed to be a bit out of our price range.

This morning when Stephen went to call the builder/model home, the price had dropped significantly into our price range! Also, the builder, K. Hovnanian, had gone back into the house and expanded the kitchen! We had our friend, Joe who lives in McKinney go by and look and he had nothing but good things to say about it. Another interesting twist--the plan is called Glenhaven. We are coming from Woodhaven and live right now on Emerald Haven. Ok, it may be a stretch, but put it all together, it just seems to good to be true! Haven is very close to heaven, right?


(wirtten March 10th)


This past week was slow. The dental broker was out of town, my yet-to-be-seen "dream house" was still on the market and we were practicing how clean we could keep the house all week. So, we tried to be as patient as possible and wait on God's timing. There was really no true reason to rush things. It was just that we felt like our momentum was lost. All in all it wasn't.

Friday we made appointments for Monday with two realtors for our Sugar Land house. Stephen again called the builder in Allen to "check" on things and they said they would take it off the market for a small fee of which we could get a partial return if we decided against the house.

Come Monday, we sent the builder a check to take it off the market and decided on our Sugar Land realtor, Kim. I have finished most of MY projects and now we have a few specialized people coming in to finish up. It should be on the market by the end of this week just in time for Spring Break viewing which is perfect for us since we will be in Grand Saline and Dallas for most of next week.

(written March 11th)

This morning was a whirlwind! The housekeeper came to clean and the carpet repair guys were here too. I had a casserole and a salad to make as well as keeping Kendrick entertained. The house was a flurry of busy-ness. Kim's assistant came to take pictures of the spic and span spotless house and there is now a key box on the front door. The sign will be in the yard this afternoon.


Again I am in a state of shock. We have been trying to leave for 3 years now. We have talked about it. Many opportunities have come and gone and we have remained. I am going to miss my house. I am going to miss my neighbors. I am going to my friends. I am going to miss my church. But, God knows there is something better for us somewhere else and I am trusting Him.


"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path." Proverbs 3:5


"Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart's desires." Psalms 37:3


I have also been thinking of my new life in Allen and what it holds. Besides raising my children, what does He have in store for me? Where will my path lead? There is a reason I am certain--some purpose that I am to fulfill. I am very excited and interested to see how it evolves, but I pray that I am just what Dr/ Pace's sermon was about on Sunday--being the salt (or the pepper these days) of the earth and letting my light shine. I pray that whatever path I go down I remember that it is not all about me. I will build on what is good. I will be a consistent anchor or sign that others orient their live to and by my words and actions I will point to God.

(written March 12th)

Not even 24 hours after the sign went in the yard we had a showing. They stayed in the house for about and hour and fifteen minutes. Almost immediately after they left Kim called to say that the buyers were already asking for a seller's disclosure and an early move in date! OMG!!! How can this be? We were hoping for sometime in the summer and listed in the spring thinking that this would take so much longer. We can't move until we first close on our house in Allen and it won't be ready until May 1st. What will tomorrow bring?

(written March 17th)


After another wonderful playdate with the Davis' in Flowermound, we spent the 16th and 17th with our friends, Kelli and Joe,who live just north of our new house in McKinney. They hadn't seen the kids in about a year and it was fun to watch them together. Cavett just couldn't get enough of the two.

Update--March 13th we received our first official offer. It was low. Too low and the move in date was wrong. After both parties counter offering, we called it quits. However, it was Friday and I headed off to take Cavett to school. While I was there I saw Tiffany Nuno, one of Cavett's friend's Mom. (Alex, the dad, is also Cavett's soccer coach.) She asked about the offer and showing. We continued on to our MOPS meeting and another neighbor, Nichole began drumming up more business for us.


Later that afternoon, Tiffany called back to ask me more about my house and specifically our neighbors on the street. By 6:00 the Nunos were with our realtor and looking at our house. We had offer #2 by Sunday. The offer was a good one with one caveatt--a contingecy of their house selling. In the meantime, the house was still being shown and we were in Grand Saline for the weekend. We held off an answering their offer because we were told that we would have another offer by Monday. Offer #3 was even better with no contingency.

The Nunos sent us another offer matching offer #3's price, but still with the contingency. What to do???? My heart says go with Offer #2 and pray that their house sells quickly. But these contingencies could stack up making it difficult. Offer #3 logistically is a no-brainer. I guess it is a good problem to have, but I want everyone to be happy also.


(written March 19th)

On Tuesday, Kim made us make a decision about which offer to accept. After some prayer and hearing many say, "Do what is best for your family," we chose offer #3. Not 20 minutes later, Kim called us back and said that the Nuno's took off the contingency. So, we changed our minds.

Yesterday, we signed the contract and met the Nuno's in the front yard to play while the Dads looked at the attic space. Cavett was excited to see Mason and let him know that he was going to live in his house. Everybody is happy. What more can you ask for! Thank you God! What a blessing!!!

(written March 20th)

This evening we decided to go out in the yard and check on the sprinklers. We are having the inspection on Sunday and wanted a clean bill of health. Well, the whole front of the front yard was not coming on. So Stephen started to dig and find the problem. As we were digging, the Nuno's drove up. Ooops. Doesn't really matter though, it will get fixed. But, they had good news! Their house went on the market today and had their first showing and a full price offer!!!! We are all going to have to be flexible on closings, but I know we can work this out! Praise GOD!!!

(written March 23rd)

Today Stephen talked with his boss and he is still willing to let him out. Those details are going to be worked out on Wednesday and I am trusting that God guides his boss and his decisions. We should hear back about our loan for our Allen house this week and Stephen will apply for the dental loan once we hear about the house one. But he said it should be not be an issue.

So, there it is. Quite a story and a big reason why I haven't been blogging the way I had been previously. This saga has taken all our time, energy, effort and thought. Every waking moment had been on some aspect of this ordeal. We truly appreciate everyone who has been praying for us...some of you for years now. It has paid off. We are so blessed by God and his power! He really does have a plan. We thank Him for all of our friends and we will miss you, Houstonians. As for you Dallas-ites (is that what you call yourselves?), we are looking forward to more time with you and making new friends as well.

A Few More

We drove up to Allen again Thursday night and met with the "sort of partner." All is looking good still. Again I will elaborate more later...confidentiality, you know.



In the mean time, I found a few more dental practices to wonder about....

• Comfort Dental-kind of goes along with the previous list.


• Absolute Dental-what do they do? Maybe you get a shot of vodka before you get any work done.


• Master's Hand Dental-pardon me, but I thought the Master's Hand was God. You know he's the one that made them in the first place.

On another note, Stephen is considering Hill Dental Studio. Thoughts?

Dental Offices

We spent this weekend looking at 5 different dental offices in the Dallas area—Wylie, Richardson, Frisco, Allen and Plano. We dropped the kids off in Grand Saline Friday and headed out to find the next chapter in our lives. We saw 5 completely different types of practices, and may have found a fit in Allen. We just need to get a bit more information.

Normally, dental offices just meld into the scenery, but what struck me as we drove around were the names of practices. When you are looking for practices, you just notice they are absolutely everywhere. We saw some doozies and I began to keep record they were so funny. (Aside: none of these were practices we were considering.)

• Soft Touch Dental


• Feather Touch Dentistry


• Dedicated Dental


• Proactive Dentistry


• Zen Dental Care

What were some of these doctors thinking? I mean, are you insinuating that dentists mean to inflict pain? Or maybe that you intend to give you a crown when all you need is a tiny filling? What ever happened to just using the dentist’s name. I guess it is all marketing and when you want to sell your practice, the transition is better. However, I just don’t like the “descriptive” naming practice.

So, what should we name our future practice?

Dentistry

**Don't forget about my Give-Away this week! Post about your favorite children's book and link to my Literacy Thursday and you will be eligible for a free subscription to Babybug magazine!**

And now for Photo Story Friday!

Cavett and Kendrick decided to take the drill after their mouths today. Nevermind that it was a Home Depot Power Drill. I guess their daddy is wearing off on them. At least they like to brush their teeth!

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Our Dallas Excursion

As you know we headed to Dallas this past weekend. Much fun was had and it was good to reconnect with many friends. We stayed at my sister's-in-law's condo in the heart of Dallas. Prime location and just what we needed. Thanks Su-Su and Al!

Thursday afternoon Stephen met with a broker that talked his ear off and didn't give him much information. So, I was left with the kids at the condo until 7 while waiting for him to get back for dinner. Luckily, we were right across the street from Cole Park, so that gave us a diversion until he arrived. Dinner was with my college roommate, Renee and her husband, Chuck at Dream Cafe. Cavett had a blast as he got to play on their "playground" and write with chalk while we caught up.

After breakfast with Aunt KK at Cafe Brazil, Friday was spent driving around Dallas. To spare you the boring details, Stephen met with 3 brokers, went in one practice and drove by a couple of others. For the most part I was in the car with the kids watching movies and napping. Basically, we decided that Dallas would stay in our decision making if the right practice were to come available, but at this time, there is nothing there. That evening Aunt KK got us out of a babysitting bind until my brother's "almost-a-fiancee" was able to get out of class. We headed to Deep Ellum for sushi with our vacation friends, Joe and Kelli.

For some reason, my camera never got pulled out until Saturday. Oh well. Saturday was all about the college friends. We drove out to Flowermound, via North Richland Hills (for another practice), to see Trumon and Adrianne Davis (more college friends) and their kids. Walker is just a few months younger than Cavett and Lauren is a precious little 1 month old. The boys talked shop and the girls listened in while refereeing kids. I think the little ones enjoyed themselves, playing swords, sighting-scope and such. But it had just been a tough couple of days not at home and on our regular schedule. As a result, Cavett was a little cranky. On our way home, we stopped in Coppell to see Trumon's office. If you live anywhere near, this is the dentist to go see. Great guy and very nice office! (Trumon-you need to get a website for your office! This was all I could find :))

That night all the college friends met at Renee's and then went out. We ended up in the Knox/Henderson area in Uptown for yes, more sushi! Sitting around the table drinking sake and eating raw fish, we realized how funny the situation was. You see we are all from po-dunk little towns: Trumon-Tatum, TX, Adrianne-Grapeland, TX, Stephen-Grand Saline, TX, Renee-Many, LA. To them it seemed that I was from the thriving metropolis of Shreveport, LA. I don't think if you would have told us in middle/high school that we would be where we are now, that we would believe it. We celebrated the fact that the three of us met that weekend 16 years ago and that Adrianne and Stephen joined us 3 years later. It was good to catch up and laugh remembering all the funny times at Centenary.

On the way back to Houston, we stopped by Aunt KK and Uncle Austin's house to jump on the trampoline. Much fun. It was a loooong weekend, but we are glad we explored and we will see what the Lord gives us for opportunities. Whether we stay in Houston or move to Dallas, I'm just ready to have some place to call home for the next 20 years or so.

FAGD

We are so proud of our Dad and husband today. This morning at 3:30 am, Stephen got up to catch a flight to Orlando for the AGD (Acadeny of General Dentistry) meeting. Today he will receive the FAGD (Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry) award. This means that he has completed 500+ hours of continuing education. Only 4% of the dentists in the nation are able to claim this honor and put these initials behind DDS. We are so very proud of him and wish we were there to watch.

Funny thing, the meeting is at the exact same hotel (The Dolphin) that we will be staying at next week during our trip to Disney World and Stephen's next dental meeting (IACA for LVI students). So, I can't wait till he gets home tonight to give us the preview of the place!

Unbelievable, but Cute

In the span of about 10 minutes during dinner tonight, we had spilled milk, throw up (too much pool water on top of dinner) and massive poop! Really, what can you do but laugh. Unfortunately, it was clean house day, but luckily, most of it stayed on the table or in the diaper.

Now for the cute part, Cavett's soap at his sink was in a different place since the maids came. He moved it over to the right place and on the side I commented to Stephen that there was another OCD tendancy. Stephen's comment was "he'll make a great dentist." Cavett's comment was, "but my hands need to grow so I can fit in the gloves and my head needs to grow so I can wear the mask." Precious.

A Little Lecture

Last night I was reminded of one of the reasons I fell in love with Stephen.

This week the UTMB Dental School called and asked him to come do a lecture today for one of their elective classes on Neuromuscular Dentistry. It was a lot of work to prepare a lecture with a power point on such short notice, but I told him he should do it anyway. Thursday night he worked diligently on it and a bit more at work on Friday. Last night I got to hear the presentation.

It brought back memories from our time in dental school. Nights when I would quiz him on different parts of the skull, or when he taught me the numbers of the teeth or the names of the surfaces. I felt like I was in school along with him. Since we had no kids we really got to talk about what he was doing at school.

As most of you know for the past 3 years Stephen has been going to Las Vegas to LVI, a dental institute for Neuromuscular Dentistry. Since I wasn't watching him study and we didn't really talk about what kinds of things he was leartning out there, I didn't realize how much he had learned.

His presentation was excellent and I even learned a few things. He is well spoken, and just funny enough to keep it interesting. He makes a fantastic teacher. He is so smart not only in the actual field of dentistry but in the other areas it takes to run a business and deal with people. Obviously the folks at the dental school agree with me or else they wouldn't have asked him. I am so proud of him. Maybe this is God's plan for Stephen.

The pictures are actual before and afters of one of Stephen's patients. This man had severe pain associated with his TMJ. After correcting his bite, pain was gone.