Heart to Heart

Recently I read a thought that went like this:

     "You will end up real disappointed if you think people will do for you as you do for them.  Not everyone has the same heart as you."

I have to admit this statement rubbed me wrong.  It sounded so arrogant or something.  

So I reworded it and this is what I came up with: 

"You will never be disappointed if you do for people as you would have them do for you.  For your heart will be in the right place."

Pluck, Cluck & Toot

I plucked two short black whiskers from the left side of my face and one longer white one from my chin.


Phone conversation between Jacquie and myself:

Me:  "What are you doing?"
Jacquie:  "I am trying to order 'chicken' on line for the Ute Stampede."
Me:  "Chicken for the Ute Stampede?  Why do you need chicken for the Ute Stampede?"
Jacquie:  "To get in."
Me:  "Oh, you mean tickets!!!"

I blow my nose and I toot.  I get up from the couch and the same thing happens!

The aging process is sometimes quite hilarious!!

Reflections

At the age of eight my family left the fertile Salt Lake Valley, the Wells relations and the Methodist church to travel to the dry, dusty oil field of Rangely, Colorado. Home of two grocery stores, five bars and no Methodist church! It was not long before my father frequented those bars, one in particular.  It was also not long before I was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  When life got dark, mostly due to the choices of my father, I questioned the purpose of life.  My world was filled with light and revelation from that still small voice of the Holy Ghost. In very simple form I knew the plan of Salvation and  I knew my Savior lives!

Years later when my father came up missing in action I was filled with sorrow and anxiety for the welfare of his soul.  My anxieties and fears were calmed by that same still small voice.  I realized I did not have to be my father's savior he had one and I knew my Savior lives!

Exactly fifteen years ago my father lay in a bed, at our Sutherland home, passing from this mortal existence to the spirit world.  His philosophy was 'ashes to ashes, dust to dust.'  No belief in a God, Savior or hereafter.  I sat in that room and witnessed the great love the Savior had for this man, even though this man denied His being and I knew my Savior lives!

How grateful I am for that testimony.  How grateful I am for my earthly father.  Some of his choices caused my roots to sink deep for spiritual water.  I will forever be indebted to him and to Him.  I am aware that his choices caused him a great deal of guilt.  A heavy burden to live with.  I forgave him long ago.  I hope he is able to forgive himself.  And most of all I hope he knows that His Savior lives and loves him dearly!

Food for Thought

The elderly woman's life was winding down.  It was just a matter of time really before her mortal remains returned to mother earth and her spirit to that God who gave her life.  I paid the dear sister a visit and for lack of conversation I inquired of her on the condition of her children, who lived relatively close by.  With sadness in her being she shook her head and slowly said:  "I do not see much of them.  They have very busy lives."  The subject then changed to the weather, news, etc.

I have often reflected on this scenario, but recently it has taken a new twist for me.

Could this experience  not be a type for me in my personal life?  I have a Heavenly Father who provides for me, cares for me and loves me more than any one else does.  He is always there for me.  But sadly, many times He does not see or hear from me because I choose to busy my life with other things.  Too busy to talk to Him through personal prayer.  Too busy to listen to Him by feasting on His word.  Does He sadly shake His head when someone inquires of Him, "How is your daughter doing".  Does he reply with:  "I do not see or hear much from  her, she has chosen other things over me."

The elderly woman is no longer here.  Even if her family wanted to pay her a visit they would be unable to do so.  Unlike the elderly woman He is always there for us to visit with.  With arms outstretched He waits for us to un-busy our lives and pay Him a visit.

Signed, sealed, delivered and returned to sender!

The two little boys informed the Instructional Assistant that  'said child' had 'flipped them off' at the lunch table.  The 'said child' was sent to the office where I questioned (to myself) his accountability.  Two days later the two little boys informed the Instructional Assistant that  'said child' called them 'bad names.'  My suggestion was to separate the two little boys.  I think they were on to something.

One month later an entirely different Instructional Assistant brought the two little boys to the office.  A mother complained they were shouting obscenities at her.  The boys missed their morning recess and spent the time in the office.

The next day, after a visit from another mother, it was all surmised that the mother who complained had made up the obscenity story in order to get one of the boys in trouble.  Let's just say family history at play.

I am 100% certain the two little boys did not shout obscenities at the adult.  I am also 100% certain the two little boys totally fabricated the stories about 'said child.'

Karma is an interesting thing is it not?  No matter the age we all experience it at one point or another.  Paybacks can either 'bite us in the butt' or 'fill our well'.  It all depends on what we choose to send out.  Personally, I have experienced both consequences.  Obviously depending on what I  have chosen to send out!!

Happy day everyone!

Imagine That!

Can someone please explain to me why children become  hyper active in the evening and I become hypo-inactive (if that is such a word.)

Well, Mr. B and Mrs. B outsmarted them this time!!

While playing a game of Crazy Eights with Max (age 10) and Isaac (age 6)   Mr. and Mrs. B started to wind down.  Not so with the boys.  They began to wind up and the silliness side of them kicked in.  Realizing they were not into card playing I subtly suggested (okay I admit it was really more of a demand) that we walk over to the track and do a lap.  They thought that was a great idea.  We walked, they ran and walked and walked and ran.  When we returned home I subtly suggested that the boys do tricks on the trampoline while Mr. and Mrs. B cheered them on.  They love an audience!  So we watched until 8:45 as they flipped, turned and bounced.  At 9:00 pm both boys were tired and ready for bed.

Imagine that!! 

P.S. Isaac wins the longest tongue award!

Paul Harvey and The Rest of the Story!

Yesterday I shared my story of Mrs. Mal Singh Sidhu-Brar.  After my Temple excursion I came home and Google Searched this woman.  Which took me to Family Search.  There I could see her spread sheet and other information.  There was also an email address.  I sent an email to this person thanking them for allowing me to do her work.  I never heard back from them....that is until today.  I must share with you this email I received.  

"Thanks for your email. Sidhu is my mother's maiden name. Brar is my sister's husband's name. Some descendants of Sidhu Rao Bhatti, where Sidhu and Brar names begin, go by Sidhu, Brar or Sidhu Brar. These Punjabi women are tall, sturdy, healthy and have large families. They help with the farm work, milk buffalos, cows and feed the oxen, camels and goats. They grew most of their food on their farm. An average size of the farm was about 40 acres. They grew wheat, corn, split-peas, cotton, alfalfa, sugarcane, Jute, and vegetables. They made their own brown sugar, mustard oil, and cotton cloth. The spin-wheel was common. They slept on home-made cots, made their own butter, buttermilk, yogurt, mustard greens and cooked them. They made bread from their own wheat and corn. I enjoyed this kind of farm life for 19 years before I came to USA in 1954. Thanks for doing the work

for one my relatives."

I LOVED hearing about her life, which I suppose should light a fire under me to do my own ancestors and discover their lives.  Gotta love the Gospel!

 

From Delta to India With Love

Recently I had the opportunity to attend a Temple session in the Provo Temple.  I did an Endowment session for and in behalf of Mrs. Mal Singh Sidhu-Brar.  This sister was born about 1798 in Punjab, India.  She married Mal Singh Sidhu-Brar when she was around 20 years of age.  She died in the same city in which she was born around 1850.  As I did the session I could not help but picture in my mind this beautiful dark-skinned, dark-haired, brown-eyed woman with the traditional clothing and red dot on her forehead.  I wondered what her time on earth had entailed.  I wondered what joys and sorrows had she experienced.  I also wondered if she had now accepted the gospel as it was taught to her on the other side of the veil. I did not even have this sister’s first name.  Her husband’s name was Mal Singh Sidhu-Brar and she was referred to as Mrs. Mal Singh Sidhu-Brar.  I have to admit this somewhat bothered me!   But I knew the Lord knew her by name and I knew of His great love for her.  I recognized His desire to bless her with the saving ordinances of the gospel. Throughout the session the following scripture kept piercing my mind:  “This gospel shall be preached unto every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people” (D&C 133:37).  Whether on this side of the veil or on the other side it shall be preached.  
When it came time for the prayer circle an older black gentleman came forward to participate. When I went through the veil the man who took me through was Asian.   And once again my thoughts turned to the scripture:  “This gospel shall be preached unto every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” I went home with an increased awareness of the great plan of happiness for all of His children.  How blessed we are to live in a day and age when the gospel has been restored.  To partake of the blessings of the saving ordinances individually and in behalf of   others.   As our beloved Prophet stated:

The Coming of Age

There is something magical that happens with the aging process.  In fact, it can be quite wonderful.  For example,  Easter morning found Mr. B out watering flower beds.  Mrs. B saw this taking place and did not give it much thought.  Until....time to hide the Easter Eggs in the yard for the 6 little munchkins coming our way! Mr. B and Mrs. B filled the eggs and Mr. B #1 and Mr. B #4  hid the eggs....in the flower beds, grass, anywhere they could think of.  Six 'eggcited' children were turned lose on the playing field.  After retrieving all the plastic eggs  we came inside to check out our loot. (Did I mention quite a few eggs were hidden in flower beds, wet and muddy flower beds?)

Today I am cleaning up dirt.  Yes, the water and dirt made mud.  The mud came into the house via shoes, it dried out  and today I am vacuuming and mopping up dirt, oh and let's not forget the Doritos Chips that are squished on the floor.

At age 30 I would have been cussing Mr. B for watering flower beds right before the big hunt.  At age 30 I would have picked up on it the minute I saw it happening!   At age 60 something I find it quite funny on both our parts.  I am very grateful in planning the re-modeling of this house, with its open floor plan,  I made it child proof.   For both the young and the mindless!

'Weather' or not Global Warming Exists

     It is 81 degrees outside.  I have been busy raking, mowing and watering  the lawn and loving every minute of it.   I have to remind myself:  "Yes, Claudia you are still in school.  No, Claudia it is not summertime yet."  No the air conditioner has not been turned on yet, but I do have the ceiling fan running and the lights off.  I am so grateful to know there is absolutely no such thing as Global Warming (is this word considered foul language?)   To all of my Republican friends I apologize for the use of such a nasty word!  I would hate to see what the weather would be like if there were such a thing as Global Warming.  So would the Polar Bears.

      I am also grateful to know who is really charge of our little universe and oh so many others.

     Doctrine and Covenants 117:6  " For have I not the fowls of heaven, and also the fish of the sea, and the beasts of the mountains? Have I not made the earth? Do I not hold the destinies of all the armies of the nations of the earth?

     He has a plan... for me, for you and for all of His creations.  Now I just need to learn to follow that plan!  Easier for some than others.  I fall into the 'other' category.  But just for today I will try a little harder.

The Aging Process

     How vividly I recall the day Scott and I attended a wedding reception up in Oak City.  I do not remember whose reception we were attending, but this I do remember....I realized I was aging!!!  The groom looked like an extremely young man.  His father (or was it her father?) was very handsome.  I knew then and there I was aging.  

     Well, this past weekend we traveled up to Bountiful for the wedding reception of Scott's nephews daughter.  I am here to say the bride and groom looked like children.  The parents of both said children looked too young for me also, but I did think the Grandparents of the bride looked fabulous!!  Jerry is a nice looking man and Paige is beautiful.  I was wishing they had been in the line.  Oh, they have been....about 7 times!!

Now You See It, Now You Don't

The walls came down when we moved into our current home.  When you walk in the front door you are instantly in our gathering room...living room, dining room and kitchen.  Yes, you see it all.  When Scott and I are  home alone it can be relatively clean, but when the family gathers look out!!!  I love it because it serves its purpose of all being together in one space.  I also love the light it lets in.  The living room window faces west and the french doors and kitchen window are on the east side.  Which means when the sun comes up and the sun goes down we have an abundance of natural light, which I thrive on.  But....it does have a drawback.  At the perfect time of morning or evening I can see absolutely every speck of dust, dirt and cat dander on my wood floors and furniture.  My children will tell you that is something that can drive me crazy!!!  Okay, crazier!!!  But I have learned if I tilt the shutters just a certain way the dust, dirt and dander  magically disappear!!  It is absolutely wonderful!!

Seeking psychics or God?

One afternoon some time ago...some long time ago, in fact it has been so long I  hope I have not already blogged about this!  At my age I tend to forget what I have and have not blogged about!

Back to the story....One afternoon some time ago I flipped on the television and lo and behold Dr. Phil was on.  Now I have not watched this man for years! I left it on for five minutes to check it out.  Five minutes was all I needed.  He had a Psychic on the show.  After turning off the t.v. I did have some questions for Him about this and how it all works.  I pondered my questions for a few days and then lo and behold I received my answer.

Yes, as I was searching my scriptures for Isaiah 9 I came upon Isaiah 8: 19 which states: 

     "And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?"

My question was answered in a profound way.  I have found this to happen more oft than not.  I knew in my heart and my mind the answers to my questions.  I believe He loves an inquiring mind and He will answer those questions in His own due time and way.   I will seek unto my God and leave the Psychics for Dr. Phil!

Many Things to Be Thankful for But Here is Just One

Last Sunday our Sunday School lesson was entitled:  "The Shepherds of Israel."  It compared the difference between a sheepherder and a shepherd.  The one  drives the flock and cares more for him/herself than those 'sheep' in his/her care, versus the one who leads the flock with kindness, concern and gentle persuasion.  One who cares more about 'the one' than him/her self.

There was a question in the manual, one the teacher did not ask, but one which I read and pondered on for a good long time.  It was:

How have you been blessed by true shepherds who have done these things? 
             

My mind went back to the year 1970/1971, when I was 18 and 19 years of age.  I was young, I was thin and I was prone to wear very short skirts.  I mean very short skirts!  Even though I had not been raised in the L.D.S. church I had been baptized.  At this point in life I was somewhat of a lost lamb.  But I was blessed with a most wonderful shepherd who entered my life for only a year.  His name was Larry Cook, Bishop Larry Cook.  He was married to Rosemarie and they had 3 small children, Rosemary, Andrea and Christopher.  The first thing this fine Bishop did was extend  a calling to me. Sunday School Teacher (this was in the day and age when Sunday School was Sunday morning and Sacrament meeting was late Sunday night)!   I was to teach the 3 and 4 year olds, or was it 4 and 5 year olds?  Whatever age it was his two daughters were in my class.  He actually trusted me with his most prized possessions!  I know this calling displeased some members, especially one lady who was quite vocal about it... even to myself!  With my personality she just made me chuckle and I made certain to wear the shortest skirt on Sunday just for her!  Okay, so I was somewhat naughty!

Bishop Cook never discussed my attire with me.  In the spring of 1971 I applied for entrance to B.Y.U,. (at my mothers insistence).  I was not a full tithe payer at the time, I did not dress modestly.   I had my interview with Bishop Cook and I was not terribly concerned about it.  You see I had back up plans....I was planning on attending Adams State College in Colorado.  I had my acceptance, I had a grant, I was set to go.  I was just appeasing my mother.  Imagine my surprise when I was accepted to B.Y.U.!  Better yet, imagine the surprise of some Rangely Ward members!!!  I have often felt Bishop Cook was an instrumental player in that acceptance.

I am deeply indebted to this man and his family.  He will always be near and dear to my heart.  I sent him a thank you note years ago.  About two years after I sent the note I received a phone call from this wonderful man.  We had a most delightful conversation.  Laughing over the short skirts I then wore and the fact that he never made it an issue with me!  Now Larry Cook was a true shepherd.  I feel he was instrumental in the path my life took.  Which has been a most wonderful path to take.

On this day of Thanksgiving I am grateful for oh so many things, but I am especially grateful for the kindness, compassion and loving acceptance of one mortal man who followed in the footsteps of the True Shepherd.  I am very grateful for Bishop Larry Cook.  May the Lord pour out His choicest blessings on this wonderful man and his family!  Happy Thanksgiving Bishop Cook!

1 Wrong + 1 Wrong = Right????

My father had a substance abuse problem.  This addiction was costly in many ways, one being financial.  My mother was advised to take the money he spent on alcohol and spend it on herself.  One wrong plus one wrong did not equal right.  My mom recognized that and did not follow the counsel given.  Smart woman!

Another man in this counseling session (his wife was there for some  "wise" advice) had a substance abuse problem.  His addiction was costly in many ways, he was impotent.  She was sexually unsatisfied.  She was advised to go find other men to fulfill her needs.  One wrong plus one wrong did not equal right.  At the session she recognized that and said that was not an option, she loved her husband.  I do not know how her story ended.

We must be careful when choosing sources to advise us.  The ways of the world will cause more damage to ourselves and our relationships.  Really the only one I trust with advice and counseling is Jesus Christ.  Where do I find this advice?  In my scripture study, prayer and listening to the still small voice.  Which I wish I did all three more valiantly! 

Bats in the Belfry and Aliens in the Backyard

Picture this.  A nice relaxing Sunday evening.  I am soaking my feet.  Scott and I are getting ready to watch a movie (by now I do not even remember the name of the movie!)  But our evening was destined to prove more entertaining than a movie.  It all began with the ringing of the doorbell.

There stood our dear, sweet backyard neighbor.  Elva is a most wonderful and delightful backyard neighbor to have.  If you do not have an Elva than I feel sorry for you.  Elva is single, has 2 adult daughters who no longer live at home.  She was quite in a panic as she has been hearing stange sounds outside her bedroom, thinking a bird has a nest close by.  Then she discovered 'the poopie' and decided it was more likely a large rat.

Scott went to the garage to retrieve our ladder, I went upstairs to put on some shoes and socks and Elva headed home with us not far behind.  Scott placed the ladder up against her window and then phoned Matthew Bud to come check it out!  My husband does NOT like cute, furry critters.  His wife has no fear of them.  I ascended the steps with flashlight in hand (even though it was not quite dusk.)  Under her shutter are creatures yes, plenty of them.  They were all hanging upside down and I even saw the cute little nose of one of the little  fellows.  Those illegal (to shoot anyway) immigrants had taken up residency in her shutters!!!  Thank goodness it was after I got down from the ladder that they decided to come out and search for dinner.  Happy early Halloween Elva!  This evening we will go over and try to 'trick' them from getting back in! 

In the meantime the other neighbor came over to see what the commotion was all about.  This neighbor is around 85 and does quite well other than her eyesight.  As we were visiting about the bats she asked me if I had seen the bright light that came from the west the other night.  I had to answer no, my bedroom faces east and I keep my shutters closed at night.  She continued her story. After the bright light out of the west came it was followed by other lights that landed in my backyard and in the other neighbors backyard. Between aliens and bats I now know why my cats have been reluctant to go out at night!  Ghoulies, goblins and ghosties and things that go bump in the night.  Oh Lord deliver us!

Questions and Answers in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

"If I'm guilty of apostasy, then everyone who has ever had a question and said that question out loud, is guilty of apostasy," said Kelly.

Untruth.  It was my own personal experience with questioning out loud, "What is the purpose of life?"  that was the first step into bringing myself into the faith I love and know to be true.  

As I have somewhat followed Kate's story (in the state of Utah it is pretty difficult not to know what is going on with her!) I have no clue what question she is posing.  Her web site is titled: "Ordain Women."  A statement, a demand, no question about that!

She wants women ordained to the Priesthood and the church has repeatedly answered that demand.  This being the most recent one to my knowledge.

---

June 28, 2014

In God's plan for the happiness and eternal progression of His children, the blessings of His priesthood are equally available to men and women. Only men are ordained to serve in priesthood offices. All service in the Church has equal merit in the eyes of God. We express profound gratitude for the millions of Latter-day Saint women and men who willingly and effectively serve God and His children. Because of their faith and service, they have discovered that the Church is a place of spiritual nourishment and growth.

We understand that from time to time Church members will have questions about Church doctrine, history, or practice. Members are always free to ask such questions and earnestly seek greater understanding. We feel special concern, however, for members who distance themselves from Church doctrine or practice and, by advocacy, encourage others to follow them.

Simply asking questions has never constituted apostasy. Apostasy is repeatedly acting in clear, open, and deliberate public opposition to the Church or its faithful leaders, or persisting, after receiving counsel, in teaching false doctrine.

The Council of
The First Presidency and
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

 I sustain these men.  I support them.  I testify of their divine role. 

ORDAIN WOMEN?

I distinctly remember  some years ago attending a Stake Conference meeting with feelings of frustration and anger.  I told President Clayton in the next life women were going to have the Priesthood and the men would stay home to get the children and food ready!  He laughed and informed me I did not have to wait for the next life.  I just needed to go to the Philippines where some women in the church were performing Priesthood duties.  He proceeded to laughingly tell me the story.  I must say I was not amused.  You see my husband served as Ward Clerk and Stake Clerk for numerous years.  While he attended "spiritual, uplifting meetings" I attended to the needs of four children and myself .  Oh how well I remember experiencing those feelings of frustration, anger and discontent.  But as time went on I came to recognize and realize that I was beginning to see that for me my "calling" was  the far more rewarding and important calling.  My apologies to all Priesthood holders.  Children grow fast and time quickly passes on. My children aged and so did I.  I have since served in numerous Ward and Stake leadership callings.  I have attended those early morning Sunday meetings and I must say they in no way compare to those long ago early morning " meetings" with four small children.  My preference being the early morning meetings with my small children.  You may wonder the point of this post.  The 184th General Conference has come and gone.  With it the usual groups who picket and protest certain standards or doctrine of the Church. One such group is entitled:  Ordain Women.  Mormon women seeking equality and ordination to the priesthood.  I, personally do not agree with these women.  I have dealt with and solved that issue for myself years ago. I am very happy with my role.  I love it! I also love Elder Dallin H. Oaks quote from the Priesthood Session of Conference.  "In the eyes of God, whether in the Church or in the family, women and men are equal, with different responsibilities." — Dallin H Oaks http://bit.ly/PS3Kmw  

I LOVE my responsibilities,  especially now that they have given me some adorable, darling, perfect little dividends!

"Educational" Workshops on the Strip

The Kagan Educational Workshop was to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada this year as opposed to Henderson, Nevada.   Mr. Bassett (Core Curriculum Director for Millard School District) and Mr. Bassett (Delta High Math teacher) both signed up to attend this educational workshop. Educational it was for Max, Ava, Isaac and myself.  Here are some notes from the 'educational workshop' I attended:

Isaac:  "Grandma, look at the games! I want to play those games. Grandma, only daddy's can play those games.  I want to play those games!"

Ava:  "Grandma, did you see that lady dancing on the table?  You could see her butt cheeks!!!"

Max:  "Now I know why Grandma calls this place 'Sin City'.   People don't dress very modestly here do they?"

What I learned of most significance at my educational workshop? 

A game of Pollyanna with grandchildren highly trumps Casino games!

Butt cheeks on my little grand babies are such cuter butt cheeks than those of adult women dancing on tables!

Modest clothing adds much more to the beauty of a woman than the 'bare all' attitude of the world.

Thanks to my little presenters for educating me on what is truly important!

The Blame Game

Utah made National News last week.  

"Uintah Elementary School in Salt Lake City, where up to 40 students were served lunch Tuesday — only to have it discarded. They were told they didn't have enough credit on their accounts."

Obviously, one hopping mad mother contacted the local news with her side of the story...one that spoke of disgust and humiliation and claimed the parent had no clue they owed money.  She looked pretty calm and happy to appear on television.  Something I would not be happy or calm about.  I hate cameras.  Of course, she was younger, thinner and prettier than someone I know.

Some comments from news sources followed by some comments from this news source...me.

"Two state senators are paying a visit to an elementary school in Salt Lake City on Thursday,"  

Where have these senators been?  Why haven't they visited schools before to check out the amount of food that goes to waste in the school system (paid for in part by the taxpayer.)  Why haven't they visited the schools with the ridiculous amount of testing that goes on.  All in the very pleasing name of "No Child Left Behind."  Some of these children are left behind way before they enter the school system!  Where are they when a student takes their life?  I suppose they choose this moment to show up why... simply put because it made National News and what a great time for politics to come into play.  Gotta look out for number one if you are earning an income in the world of politics.


"No child in Utah should ever be hungry in a classroom," state Sens. Jim Dabakis and Todd Weiler said in a joint statement . "The most basic component of learning is a full stomach."

These children were not left starving.  They were given a snack of fruit and milk.  Like I said before I hope these two men checked out the garbage as they left the school to see the waste.  I have seen children who obviously would rather go hungry than eat what is placed before them.  Especially if they are use to a diet of junk food and that food is not offered in the cafeteria.

Yes, this school district most likely should have handled the situation in a different manner and yes, I bet they do after this fiasco!  But here are some facts I know both from being a parent and working in a school system (even in a lunch program for some time.)

Fact #1:
At registration parents are given a handbook.  This handbook states the cost of lunches per day, per month, per year depending on which program the family  qualifies for.  We suggest monthly payments be made at the beginning of each month with one being paid at registration.  Scott and I knew it was our responsibility to feed our children and our responsibility to make sure said payment was made on time.  Three of four said children were responsible enough that we could  send the check with them to deliver to the office.  One said child...well let's just say we learned it was easier to mail it to DHS then receive a phone call from Jane.

Fact #2:
Letters are sent home reminding parents of their past due accounts.  Sometimes not just one, not just two but perhaps three.  We also make phone calls if necessary.  And sometimes the letter is actually sent in the mail about money owed.

"Jason Olsen, a Salt Lake City District spokesman, said school officials told the district that their staffers typically tell students about any balances as they go through the lunch line and send home notifications to parents each week"

That is pretty much a standard policy.  I am pretty certain these parents had had a heads up about owing money on lunch accounts.

Bottom Line:
The sins of the parents were unfortunately answered on the heads of the children.  I see that happen way too often. It was interesting and fascinating to me to watch all the blame be placed on the school, the school district, the lunchroom manager, the lunch program.  Never once did I see it put where it truly belonged.  On the parents.  Parents know if their child qualifies for free, reduced or full pay at the beginning of the school year.  Parents know the exact cost of the lunch program. Parents know when the money is due.  No excuses parents, get it done.