The Cost of an Eight Grader

No one prepared me for the cost of having a child in eight grade. First came the braces. That was just last week. At a cost of $5,000 insurance only picks up 50% of orthodontia so our share is only a meager $2,500 ha! Blane's teeth are relatively in good shape and he will probably only have to keep them for a year. I wouldn't want to know what severe overbite costs. This week we had to have a new trombone for band. Graduating to eight grade band means getting a "step-up" instrument. At a cost of $4,000 on down for buying a new trombone, he better like band and stick with it! Needless to say, we did not buy the top of the line. It does not stop there with the expenses for band. The books, the oil, the mouthpieces, the metronome. Did you know they have digital metronomes now? LOL Not to mention the fundraisers because you are supposed to contribute so much money for their band trips and activities! I am not complaining, however - well not really. I do worry about costs and money and having to pay for all of this. But, I know the benefits will far outweigh the sacrifices. A handsome, centered young man with a beautiful smile who can hopefully play me some Christmas songs. He already plays me some Mardi Gras!