I’m not sure where the summer went but here it is back-to-school time already.  We’ve seen lots of our awesome families the past few weeks as everyone has been scrambling to get their kid’s teeth looking pearly white before school kicks off.  I can’t believe how many of our families have been with us for 15 years and have gone from their very first dental visit with us to telling us they are now ready to go off to college!  It’s also amazing to hear what these amazing kids are all doing – sports, music, art, volunteering and incredible academics – these kids are doing great things.   You may not know it, but we’ve got a special place on our website just for our awesome patients where we’d like to hear what your kids are doing.   It’s called Patient Props and mostly it’s used when we snap pictures of kids after their dental appointments but we hope you’ll help us make it more than that.  Send us a picture or quick summary of your child’s latest event or achievement and we’ll add it to our site.  Email it to DrBoeyink@comcast.net .

As for us and our family, let’s just say that the fall sports season has arrived in the Boeyink household.  Here’s a quick snapshot of our crew gearing up for football season.  The one on the right in pink shorts alternates between running back and cheerleader, depending on the day. 

Have a great start to the new school year!

For years Tim and I have had a soft spot for the people of Haiti as our church supported a children’s school that had no other means of support.  As if Haiti wasn’t already one of the poorest areas in the world, the recent earthquake devestated beyond what most of us can even imagine.  Our friend, Michelle McGowan, has put together a fundraiser that is packed with fun to help raise money for a critical, yet missing component, of child education in Haiti.  If you are located in the south Denver area,check out this fun event on Saturday that your kids are sure to love:

Fundraiser for Haiti

Ekol Kominote’ De La Foundation Nissage Saget, St. Marc- Haiti

Saturday July 31^st, 2010 11am to 7pm

Redstone Park, Highlands Ranch

~Silent Auction~Bouncy Castles and Games for all ages~

~Concessions and a $6 BBQ,~$5 for an all day bounce pass~

~100% of the proceeds benefit this cause~

Information about what the proceeds will be used for:

The epicenter of the earthquake, Port-au-Prince, held in it’s confines 80% of the schools in Haiti. 5000 schools were destroyed in the 36 seconds that brought the country to it’s knees. This school is fortunately and unfortunately unique from any other. It focuses on the “forgotten” children of the villages, ages 7 and under, who have never had ANY form of education what-so-ever. They have never learned their ABC’s or 123′s, no reading, writing or math. Nothing. A mind is a terrible thing to waste.

Our program focuses not only on literacy, but also on providing training in important skills and on revitalizing the entire community. However, these schools desperately need help to survive. This is why this school and the likes of others are so important to the future of the children and their communities.

This is a picture of our son with a half eaten loaf of home made bread, a special treat from our talented patient Alexandra W.  Alexandra not only provides delicious baked goods for her family’s restaurant, she’s nice enough to bring samples for our hungry staff and family when she comes in.  She’s got a gift for baking and we’re thankful she’s willing to share with us!

It’s that time of year where the schedule shifts with school out, late bedtimes, summer sports and days in the sun.  Keeping everyone healthy and balanced without running moms crazy is always a challenge.  Dental Hygienist Brenda Buergi has written a nice article titled “Your Child’s Summer: 7 Tips for a Healthy Smile” at http://www.examiner.com/x-26558-Green-Bay-Dental-Health-Examiner~y2010m6d14-Your-childs-summer-7-tips-for-a-healthy-smile#

If you are already hearing “I’m bored” consider checking out one of the many day camps in the Denver area at: http://gocitykids.parentsconnect.com/sub-category/denver-co-usa/resources/camps/summer-day-camps

Looking for summer fun without breaking the bank?  Visit http://www.denverkids.com for some fun ideas with hundreds of coupons for the Denver area.

One way to keep kids feeling good is healthy, kid-friendly recipes.  Kids love to eat what they have helped make themselves.  Have your children pick something they’d have fun making and will encourage them to eat well.  Visit http://kidshealth.org/kid/recipes/index.html

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menus/collections/healthy_eating_kids

Having a hard time getting the kids to brush their teeth?  Here’s a free toothbrush chart that might make it more fun to keep track of: http://www.freeprintablebehaviorcharts.com/oral%20hygiene%20charts%20pdf/Brush%20Teeth%20Chart.pdf

Have a fun, happy and healthy start to your summer!  Don’t forget to schedule your children’s dental cleanings and check-ups while they are out of school!  Summer is our busiest time and often waiting until the last minute means summer appointments are gone.  Give us a call today at 720-489-7333 to get them on the books!

Looking for an easy-to-read resource for moms about healthy eating?  My friend Melissa Caddell has just published an e-book with 40 pages of practical and useful information on healthy eating for busy families.  Topics like fact and fiction of organic foods and what to do with picky eaters make this relevant for moms who are trying to create healthy meals but still live in the real world.  Melissa is giving away a free copy of her e-book to one of our fans.  All you need to do to enter is leave a comment here or on our Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Centennial-CO/LittletonDentistry/304973457933?ref=ts

For more information about her book and other good stuff, visit her site at: www.MelissaCaddell.com

All moms know that the joy of no school in the summer is quickly offset by kids claiming they have nothing to do.  Moms also know that when kids want to do something fun, what they really mean is they want to do something expensive.  Before summer officially hits, you may want to bookmark this site by Mile High Mamas:

http://www.milehighmamas.com/2010/05/15/2010-denver-summer-festival-schedule/?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=twitter

Titled “50 Free Summer Activities, Concerts, Daytrips and Festivals in Denver This Summer” it’s a nice summary of all kinds of fun (and free!) things to do in Denver throughout the summer.  Even better, they’ve listed the website of each event to quickly grab more information.  Here’s to a great summer!

What would the Mom to Mom blog be without a special thank you to all the great moms out there.  I’ve got it made because not only did I get blessed with an amazing mom, I married someone who has an amazing mom too.  My mom is one who will stand by you no matter how bad you screw up and makes the best chocolate chip cookie in the world to make you feel better on top of it.  My mother-in-law has given me an awesome gift of loving me like a real daughter and welcoming me into her family unconditionally.  When I think of all of the messiness in the world today, growing up with the foundation of a good mom is one of the most basic things that determines how a person navigates their entire life.  So thanks to all you great moms out there and blessings to those who are missing their moms this Mother’s Day.  

Mom and Brynn

Mom II with our new puppy

Alexa's Beautiful Smile~

This 6 year old did an amazing job this week!  She had her first dental work done and sat like an angel watching a movie the entire time.  Great job Alexa!

Keegan Quite Simply Was "The Man"

This 6 year old made it through 2 fillings with no shot.  We couldn’t believe how fast he was done and he didn’t make a peep.  What an awesome patient – thanks Keegan!

Jillian's Awesome Art!

Thanks to Jillian for sharing her artistic creativity with us.  She’s a great patient with a smile that lights up our office!