The Neighborhood Saga Part II
November 13, 2009
The first part of the story is here.
I don’t even know where to begin the story. Some would say at the beginning, but I am not even sure where that is anymore.
My 8 and 10 yr old sons have friends that live down the street on a cul-de-sac. They play there almost everyday after school. Because it is a cul-de-sac and is a sort of midway point between many of the boys’ houses it has become the place where they play. Usually they play touch football in the street or basketball in one of the boy’s driveway.
The problem that arose was that the 11 yr old boy they are not allowed to play with began coming to the cul-de-sac to play with the boys. While my children are not allowed to play with him, I have also told them that they are not to be mean to him nor are they to ostracize him. The compromise we reached was that if he came down to the cul-de-sac to play they could stay and play too as long as there were all the other kids around. They were to refrain from talking to him as much as possible.
Well one day they were all playing touch football, my 8 yr old “tackled” the 11 yr old boy, who became mad about it. No one seems to know why. According to all of the kids who were there, and there were many, the 11 yr old just started bullying my 8yr old son. He kept shoving him in the back while they were trying to play and kicking his legs out from under him.
The other kids told him to knock it off, but he wouldn’t. Finally my son had enough and after he was knocked down one time too many, took off running after the kid. The kid stopped, tried to punch my son in the face, and missed. My son swung back and got the kid right in the eye. The boy ran home crying.
I feel like I should reiterate the fact that my son is 8 yrs old and weighs MAYBE 55 pounds. The boy in question is a 11yrs old, probably 5ft tall and at least 100 pounds, not a small frail kid, but one who is twice as big as my son.
I did not hear about it until the next afternoon. My boys knew I would not be happy about it. I found out because my oldest son’s friends had witnessed it. When the punches started flying they ran over to try and break it up, but they said it all happened so fast by the time they got there it was over. They told my oldest son who then told me.
Two days later there was a police officer at my door. The crazy neighbor had called the police to file assault charges against an 8yr old. I was not home and heard about it from a different neighbor who is also a police officer. My first instinct was to laugh and then to cry. How crazy and vindictive do you have to be to call the police on an 8 yr old.
I didn’t get a note or any sort of letter, so I just tried to forget about it. Every single person I told about the incident said that they would vouch for our family if necessary and tell the police about their own encounters with this woman.
A week later I came home to a card on my front door from the Crimminal Investigation Unit. I immediately called the phone number. I know I have done nothing wrong.
The man called me back a couple hours later and asked if he could stop by in about five minutes. I think my exact words were, “Please, do.”
It wasn’t until he came to the house that I found out he was with Child Protective Services. The case had been turned over to him because no one else wanted to waste their time on a bullshit case. My words, his sentiment. I invited him inside, intoduced him to my children, and had them tell the entire story. I gave him some of the back story.
He remarked at one point that he could see my children were well taken care of and that my home was cleaner and tidier than his. I knew my obsessive nervous cleaning would pay off at one point. He then said something that chilled me to the bone.
He said he has been doing this for over 25 years and every once in awhile he runs across someone like this woman. He said he knows she will keep coming after our family. He said he would guarantee that he will be back at my house many many more times. Because she cant get satisfaction this way, she will start calling CPS on us. I told him he is welcome to come by anytime, I have NOTHING to hide.
Oh and talk about scary, he read me what she said when she filed the report and it was complete lies. Her version of the account was that my son attacked her son completely unprovoked while all the rest of the children stood around in a circle and cheered him on. Me thinks someone has been watching too many 1980’s movies of the week.
He then asked me what she looked like.
Looks like?
Yeah. What does she look like?
Um, she is about probably 5′8 ish and heavy-set. And kind of loud…
He started laughing.
What?
She also alleges in the report that you have tried to physically assault her in the past and that you have verbally assaulted her. You are just so small and calm it seems very unlikely to me that could have ever happened.
I laughed. But as I told him, I was horrified that someone would lie like that.
So in a nutshell that is the crazy neighbor story.
Except for this.
Miles and I went to our neighborhood playground the other afternoon. On our way walking home we had a “race.” We each took a different path around some trees. When I realized he was winning I began running, as I caught up to him and tried to tag him I tripped over the edge of the sidewalk. And fell. On top of Miles.
For all intents and purposes I TACKLED MY CHILD.
He laughed and I tried to play it off like I meant to do it. But I look up and who is stopped right there at the stop sign staring at me…
Yup.
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Holy crap!!! I’ve been on the receiving end of one of those visits. My daughter had RSV when she was 6-weeks old. She had very large feet and could NOT keep socks on her feet. I happened to take her into my office one day and took her socks off while we were there so I wouldn’t lose them. A co-worker called CPS and said my daughter was in the hospital due to me taking her out in the winter with NO SOCKS ON!!! OMG, I thought I was going to die.
November 13th, 2009 at 4:50 pmHoly guacamole. I am so sorry that you have to deal with this bullshit.
November 13th, 2009 at 4:52 pmPlease ignore my comment if anonymous (sort of..) ass-vice is not what you wanted. If you were looking for some ideas to ponder, then read along.
Two words: restraining order.
I know moving probably isn’t in the cards but as a lawyer I sat here wondering what you could do to protect your family- the kind of advice I’d give a friend in the same situation. (Not legal advice of course, because I’m not licensed in your state and what have you….) and it would be to get a restraining order. I’d also speak with the school district/principal to ensure your children are never placed in the same classroom as hers. Actually after reading your blog, and “knowing” you, you have probably already done that.
Good luck.
November 13th, 2009 at 4:53 pmThey can’t get her for filing a false report with CPS??
I’m sorry you’re having to deal with this kind of crap. It really, really sucks.
November 13th, 2009 at 4:57 pmyikes! what a story. good luck with the rest of it. we’ve been in our house for 2 years and i say over and over how lucky we are that we have great neighbors.
November 13th, 2009 at 5:03 pmHoly shit. Crazy vindictive neighbors are the worst. I recommend that you personally document every single incident that you have with this woman, never speak to her without at least one adult witness present, and look into a restraining order. You should also ask the police about pressing charges for harassment. It may not be at that point yet, but from what you’ve said so far, it will get there.
November 13th, 2009 at 5:03 pmOh my gaw. This is ridiculous. At least the guy is smart enough to know that she insane. I’m sorry you’re stuck with the crazy in the neighborhood. Hopefully, she’ll leave you alone soon!
November 13th, 2009 at 5:04 pm[Sigh] This really sucks. I’m sorry.
We had a neighbor call CPS because they didn’t like it that all of the kids in the neighborhood like to play near our place, because I’m home and their parents think it’s a safe place to let the kids play.
Even knowing we had done nothing wrong, it still really sucked.
I would look into whether or not you can sue her for harassment/slander if she continues to file unverified charges against your family.
((hugs))
November 13th, 2009 at 5:04 pmI am just thankful that the CPS guy was smart enough to see the true story about the situation. I’m sorry that this will probably be an on-going situation for you and your family. People like her scare me…please watch your back.
Prayers and hugs,
November 13th, 2009 at 5:05 pmConnie F-G
In a nutshell,
November 13th, 2009 at 5:07 pmyup,
she’s a nutjob.
PS. Get all of those people who said they would vouch for you to write it down as a letter, sign it and then send the whole batch of letters to CPS. They go into your file.
Our lawyer said that the idea is to pad your file with as much evidence for you as possible so that when they take it out to look at it when something is filed they see all of these positive glowing reports compared to just one person repeatedly complaining.
And then you have both sides on record if it ever comes up again.
November 13th, 2009 at 5:08 pmOh Chris that is terrible, you really must keep a written record of anything from now on, just to be safe. I’m sure it is all based around jelousy, any form of bullying usually is.
November 13th, 2009 at 5:13 pmIsn’t it just horrible that CPS should probably be going to HER house but that she can use the system to settle her own vendetta? It just makes me cringe.
Oh and when she saw you after you “tackled” your son - wouldn’t it have been funny to stick out your tongue at her? She probably would have called the police again!
November 13th, 2009 at 5:14 pmOh noes….crazy neighbor ladies seem to be rampant. We have one our street, tho she is no where as crazy as your CNL. Our CNL accused my younger son of being a bully. This after her 5yr old, 55lb child smacked my 3yr old, 35lb son with a toy sword so hard that it left a bruise for a week. This was done on purpose, mind you. My DS (being a second child) didn’t take it laying down- he promptly smacked the other child back. Our CNL got into my 3yr old’s face and started screaming at him…oh it was a scene…there were several moms outside, who were all as taken aback as I was.
This same child has been in so many altercations with the other kids in our neighborhood that no one will play with him anymore. And of course, his mom thinks he’s an angel…He’s only 6.5yrs and already a little sh!t…I can’t wait to see what he’s gonna be like in 10 yrs.
All I can say is that I can empathize…obviously our CNL is no where near the crazy of yours…!!! You definitely need to DOCUMENT DOCUMENT DOCUMENT all of this…you never know when it could take a turn for the worse (or worser?). Good luck!
November 13th, 2009 at 5:14 pmI audibly sighed for you as I read this. There is virtually nothing you can do to combat “a crazy”. It sounds like noone is taking her seriously, including the authorities. What are you going to do about allowing the boys to be around her son? How unfortunate for that child, that the actions of his mother will make him a social outcast.
November 13th, 2009 at 5:15 pmOh. Wow. And the bad thing is, the only thing you can do about it is move. Cos the crazy woman is just going to get crazier. Sorry you have to put up with this.
November 13th, 2009 at 5:15 pmOh dear. Who lies and calls the police on their neighbors? The nearly perfect neighborhood, with one really horrible woman.
November 13th, 2009 at 5:18 pmOh, Chris. I’m so sorry. I’d start keeping a Word document where you can write down exactly what happens if/when there are any future interactions between you and this neighbor so that you will have it handy if/when she tries to come after you again. It will be useful if down the road, you need to file a restraining order. There is most likely mental illness at work here, and perhaps her own personal history of abuse that she is projecting back out onto innocent people in the current day. Not that it makes it excusable, just to help frame what you’re dealing with. As someone with people like this in my family, all I can say is I’m sorry, there’s very little you can do to control her, and the less emotional energy you put into it, the more likely it is she’ll go elsewhere/find someone else to target.
November 13th, 2009 at 5:23 pmWow. Ridiculous.
Every neighbourhood has one. I remember the people we weren’t allowed to play with in my childhood neighbourhood. They still live there and are still ostracized from everything.
So sad. So wrong. Leads to such funny stories though.
I hope that the crazy neighbour leaves your family alone. Sorry you have had to deal with such unfortunate people.
November 13th, 2009 at 5:24 pmSucks. On the bright side, crazy neighbor lady now knows you will take anyone down!
November 13th, 2009 at 5:28 pmWow. This is one for the record books. I’m so glad I don’t have neighbors.
November 13th, 2009 at 5:35 pmIf its possible for someone to vouch for you just on the basis of reading your blog for the last six-ish years, then count me in as well. Because that lady is clearly bat-shit crazy and while I worry the gentleman was right about her not giving up, I sincerely hope he was wrong. Because none of us needs any more bat-shit in our lives.
November 13th, 2009 at 5:35 pmI’d be concerned about your privacy with all this on your blog if she is “stalking” you. Even things you say which a normal person knows are being said with love and humor could be misconstrued. I’d hate to lose the ability to enjoy your humor and insights about family life; but you have to protect your family.
November 13th, 2009 at 5:39 pmOMG, what a horrible, horrible woman. I hate people like that so much. I do hope that she leaves your family alone in future.
November 13th, 2009 at 5:43 pmYour neighborhood sounds so wonderful otherwise. I hate to say it, but perhaps it is for the best that the crazy lady’s kids are ostracised. The less contact you all have with that family, the better.
November 13th, 2009 at 5:44 pmgotta love the crazy neighbors! there is on in each neighborhood!
you will survive this too!
November 13th, 2009 at 5:48 pmI’d like to slap her in the face. What a witch.
November 13th, 2009 at 5:53 pmOh my word, I am so happy to be living where I do. My neighbors (so far) are all wonderful. And I am not a compulsive cleaner, so I don’t want CPS showing up with little warning!
Is there possibly any consequence for a person who calls CPS so often that it becomes harrassment? Seriously, it sounds like her children are the ones in need of protection….
November 13th, 2009 at 5:55 pmWe are also dealing with one of “them” been a looooooonnnnnngggg 18 months, which will be coming to and end soon! The person is question on my end is them same but has been dealing with CPS since she was pregnant and well after many false complaints to other tenants which were all thrown out. CPS removed her child for the 2nd time 2 weeks ago cause she has major drug issues.
The first thing through my mind when I read your post “Oh look the amazing shrinking Chris!” I mean I tottally need to leanr how to “shrink” that fast KWIM????
By the way you rock!
November 13th, 2009 at 5:56 pmChris,
November 13th, 2009 at 5:59 pmI am in tears. Because I am going through what you are going through. Crazy people get no satisfaction unless they feel they can hurt you. A “friend” wants to hurt me. So she called CPS. The investigator came to my house, walked through and when she left said “I have no need to be in your life.”
While she’s not in my life anymore, I still have a record with CPS. And I hate it. I am constantly looking over my shoulder wondering if anyone is going to turn me in again.
I’m sorry this happened to you.
Crazy people are everywhere.
Well, at least it seems like he understands. My advice is to start writing down each and every event that happens with this woman (in detail) so that when he visits again you have it all for him. And, your children need to report every incident as well.
Keep a binder with dates and times for him.
November 13th, 2009 at 6:02 pmOy fucking vey. Except for the last part, which is just TOO funny.
November 13th, 2009 at 6:06 pmOh my. I hope that she gets over herself and finds a new family to terrorize. How awful. Has CPS visited her house, they probably should!
Give the names of the other boys involved to the detective, that way he can get full statements added to the file, so if/when she does this again there won’t be any question as to the crazy.
November 13th, 2009 at 6:09 pmPeople like her scare the pants off me…I’m a foster mom and too well intrenched in “the system” to not take something/someone like that seriously…make sure you document everything for future visits…always keep in mind who “else” was a witness and can vouch for you and possibly find out if there is something legally you can do to defend yourself from her (restraining orders, a well written letter to the police department and CPS expressing your concerns and “fears” and keep a copy for yourself, etc.) - anyway…hang in there and make sure you kids really do listen to you about staying the F away from her and hers.
November 13th, 2009 at 6:15 pmWow. Petty people drive me nuts.
If I were in your shoes, I’d be proactive and petition the court for a restraining order against her since she is clearly harassing you and your family.
Two can play her game.
November 13th, 2009 at 6:25 pmOh… one more thing. I wonder how she would stand up under the same scrutiny you’ve endured.
Document EVERYTHING.
November 13th, 2009 at 6:26 pmChris, I am beyond appalled. I was thinking the same thing the CPS guy was, though, that she will keep harassing you in any way she can to get satisfaction. It makes me so sad for you, to have moved to a new city and have found the perfect neighborhood … except for this one family. I hope that you can avoid her most of the time and that eventually she will lay down her vendetta. Or move. Either way would be good.
November 13th, 2009 at 6:29 pmHoly creepy bat man. Good luck. Hopefully she moves on to something else. Her poor kids. I know they’re jerky, but we certainly know why.
November 13th, 2009 at 6:41 pmChris,
Sounds like you are making the best of a REALLY bad situation, and using humor to counteract all the negatives this woman is sending your way.
November 13th, 2009 at 6:42 pmHow fortunate that you got such a wise and discerning investigator from CPS. They have a very tough job to do and rarely encounter any positive situations. You probably made his day!
Wow…there really are a lot of mean, crazy people out there. I am so sorry you are going through this. It sounds like your neighborhood is balanced by many wonderful people to support you but I still think it is horrible that you and your children have to live with this hanging over your heads. Some people really are nuts.
November 13th, 2009 at 6:46 pmOh no! You are so going to make friends with Child Services! Good luck! I know it’s hard with crazy neighbors.
November 13th, 2009 at 6:50 pmi’m just so thankful that the rest of the neighborhood is smart enough to realize what is going on and will stick up for you. that was one smart cop.
November 13th, 2009 at 6:52 pmOh man. It’ll be a great family story some day, but it’s awful that you’re having to go through this now. CPS? Please. Kind of scary too that anyone could call CPS on any of us at any time…
Off to clean my house now!
November 13th, 2009 at 7:12 pmI feel so bad for you. At least the child services guy seems to be on your side. Ugh, crazy people suck.
November 13th, 2009 at 7:20 pmOh… crap. That sucks. …but hey, nice tackle!
November 13th, 2009 at 7:27 pmI know this might be an odd question, but did you ask him about filing harassment charges against this woman, since he thinks she will continue to file charges against you? I know that would probably cause more drama (probably more than you would want to deal with), and the best it could do is, A, tell the people to ignore her and, B, MAYBE get you a restraining order, but… it’s just a thought.
I’m sorry you have to deal with this. I can’t believe how ridiculous this is.
November 13th, 2009 at 7:48 pmI don’t know whether to laugh or cry for you! Thank goodness the CPS man is sensible. Best of luck.
November 13th, 2009 at 7:54 pmWas it crazy neighbor lady or the CPS man????
November 13th, 2009 at 7:57 pmOh my. That is seriously the craziest thing I have ever heard.
November 13th, 2009 at 8:09 pm::jaw drops:: Holy crap, Chris. I’ve been reading your blogs (mostly just lurking) for a long time now and it just staggers me that anyone could be that mental towards you or your kids. I’m so sorry you have to go through this shit. I’m glad the official guy who came out to see you obviously has a brain in his head.
November 13th, 2009 at 8:24 pmOh my. I wonder what the Texas requirements for a restraining order are? I’m feeling very very afraid that one of those might be in your future…
November 13th, 2009 at 8:36 pmI feel so sorry for your family to have such an awful neighbor! It sounds like CPS needs to pay HER a visit!
November 13th, 2009 at 8:38 pmI am so sorry you are going through this. We had the same neighbor apparently - just replace “child” with “house”. Ours just happened to be an ex-cop turned plumber who liked to flip houses with his charming wife. They were not pleased with our calling the zoning department after they gutted their house and used it as fill on the slope behind our house. He also liked to pee off his back deck in full view of the elderly neighbors during construction. He also didn’t like being questioned by the police after he spit on his next door neighbor (after he asked why they built a fence on his property while he was away).
We don’t live in that neighborhood anymore, but people I know will tell me that the couple still don’t understand why we “didn’t like them”. I have to believe karma will take care of these types of things.
November 13th, 2009 at 8:40 pmOh, Chris, I’m so sorry you are going through this. Nasty, crazy neighbors are just that, nasty and crazy. My heart goes out to you. Thank God the CPS guy knows you are the victim here. Warm thoughts flooding your way.
November 13th, 2009 at 8:47 pmIs the US really a place where you need to be worried about your neighbours calling CPS on you? Is that the way people are with each other, in stead of watching out for each others children? Or is this just a freakish thing? (I’m over in Europe and have never been to the States, so hence my questions)
November 13th, 2009 at 8:50 pmWow, that is just creepy. I hope she causes your family no harm - what a dark cloud she has cast over what otherwise seems like a perfect neighborhood from your descriptions. Best of luck to you and may your family stay safe and free from her insanity. I’d be a complete trainwreck.
November 13th, 2009 at 9:03 pmOh dear. I’m so sorry your family has caught the attention of a crazy person. Surely, if she’s lived in the neighbourhood for any length of time, she’s tried this with other families. If you can gather enough evidence, could the cops charge her with a “nonsense complaint” or whatever that kind of harrassment would be called.
November 13th, 2009 at 9:41 pmHoly cow! That is freaking scary. Is the guy going to investigate her for being psychotic? Good luck.
November 13th, 2009 at 9:52 pmAren’t you astounded when people just lie? It makes me so angry. We had a landlord who made
November 13th, 2009 at 9:53 pmour lives miserable after we brought home our baby daughters from Ethiopia. To make a long story short he didn’t like it that they were jet-lagged and cried so
he and his wife (who had their own kid) harrassed us until we told them that we would move. And then he kept our deposit after he said we would get it and told all our neighbors we had trashed the place. Thankfully no one believed him! Who kicks out a family who just spent their life savings on an adoption and steals 1600 bucks. Not to mention I was 5 months pregnant when we moved and he stood outside watching me carry boxes, etc. I will never understand people who jut don’t give a shit about being a good person. Good luck!
Gah, what a stupid person. Sorry you have to deal with her.
But don’t tack Miles again when she is watching, ok? ^^
Karen
November 13th, 2009 at 10:01 pmor make that TACKLE… if only i could spell ^^
Karen
November 13th, 2009 at 10:02 pmWhat a whacko! Scary to this she actually involved CPS–you’re very fortunate that the officer who visited seems to have the good sense to see through the lies. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that she moves, and soon.
November 13th, 2009 at 10:19 pmAh yes, the neighbor from hell. Everybody always says there’s one in every neighborhood. I truly am sorry that you and most of all, your children, are having to deal with this. I know everyone who comments will add their experiences in with their own neighbor from hell. So, I’ll add mine. Mine lives a couple of houses away from us. My fear, that they have guns. Because several neighbors have mentioned that they could see the neighbor from hell’s kids taking them to school and re-enacting Columbine. Seriously. My advice, document everything. I realize you are really, really busy, but you must do this for your protection. And it may get to the point where, unfortunately, you need legal involvement.
November 13th, 2009 at 10:32 pmSo if everyone knows and agrees that this woman is crazy and she is being vengeful, why don’t they investigate her?
November 13th, 2009 at 10:37 pmIn regards to the last bit of your post…Oh shit.
Crazy people are everywhere! My brother married one, then found out about all her lies and divorced her. That was 11 years ago and she still comes after him. She’s a sociopath and it will never end. Pray the neighbor moves!
November 13th, 2009 at 10:42 pmI’m just sitting here shaking my head. We had one like that when my kids were little. In Alabama; a real redneck. There must be at least one in every town if not in every neighborhood. I can only figure they make everyone else look soooo good.
November 13th, 2009 at 10:55 pmI’m so sorry you’re having crazy lady troubles. Do you have any attorney friends that could advise you?
November 13th, 2009 at 11:02 pmsorry this happened, there is at least one in every neighborhood. my neighbor put my son’s baseball (that he found in his backyard) in a ziplock bag and wrote, “please take me to an open field to play with” and left it on our porch…really, really…
November 13th, 2009 at 11:14 pmbut at least we are enjoying this warm fall right?
This story of your neighbour sends chills down my spine. I hope you and your family remain safe from her…
November 13th, 2009 at 11:20 pmCrazy, crazy, crazy. She had problems with other neighbors in the past so hopefully she will move on. What a total freak. This saga makes me angry just reading it - I can’t imagine what it must be like to have her living close by!!! I don’t blame your 8 yr old.
November 13th, 2009 at 11:33 pmI feel like you should have inserted some creepy music to start playing with this post. CRAZY!
November 13th, 2009 at 11:34 pmThank God the policeman is already on your side. Still, I would be scared!! Congrats on keeping your cool, letting the policeman in your house etc. I knew you’d know the smartest thing to do.
November 14th, 2009 at 12:14 amChris,
It sounds so mommy to say ‘She’s just jealous’, but when I read your post, all I kept thinking was that. Jealous jealous jealous! of you and our beautiful family. I know this blog is only a small glimpse into our life, but I sometimes find myself also jealous of you and your family. I hope to raise kids as good as yours, so full of love because the have been surrounded b it from day one.
November 14th, 2009 at 12:16 amI know it doesn’t seem funny right now, but some day you will look back and reminisce and say “wasn’t that a classic?!”
November 14th, 2009 at 12:19 amewwwww…scary. that reminds me of that movie, “the burbs”. aside from selling your house, my best guess would be to “kill her with kindness”; go out of your way to be pleasant and friendly and polite. hahahahhaahahaha. ok, that was funny. sounds good…but is it possible? hmmmmm…good luck with all that…
November 14th, 2009 at 12:29 amThere is always someone like that in every neighborhood…..especially in Texas…look what they did to Oprah….LOL
November 14th, 2009 at 1:09 amUgh–what. a. freakin. nutjob.
Don’t suppose you want to file charges against HER for harassment, do you? Or for filing a false report?
Haaaate.
Don’t suppose CPS guy had any suggestions, did he?
November 14th, 2009 at 1:26 amWow. I’ve heard some crazy CPS stories and yours goes right up there with them. And there’s nothing you can do about those bogus claims she’s made?
November 14th, 2009 at 1:51 amAt what point does it become harassment? As a past CPS worker my best advice is to keep up your “come on in” attitude, but begin to document everything. It is usually clear in these cases who the crazy person is. I’m sorry you have to deal with this, it sucks to have psychos as neighbors.
November 14th, 2009 at 2:16 amIs there any way you could call the CDC on HER? Surely the man who had to come by your house should go to her house and see if he thinks her children are well cared for and if her house is clean. Is there any chance they can tell her they have no reason to accept any more complaints from her? Can you have someone tell her you will sue her if any more unfounded complaints are received?
Just the thoughts off the top of my head………
November 14th, 2009 at 2:21 amOH MY Word. Our crazy neighbor who used to live behind us did a similar thing. Three months of my life were a living hell. I know the CPs caseworkers in my county on a first name basis.
I called the police on her five year old because he shot my dog with a BB gun and then shot at my window. The police took her gun. A week later CPS showed up at MY door step because there was a concern that we didn’t have electricity because we grilled so much (uh yeah my husband spent $500 on a new gas grill - you bet we’re using it.
A month after that they showed up because I made my kids play outside in the sunshine and “yelled at them” to stop coming inside and left them water in a bucket (a cheap 99 cent pitcher from Target and it was lemonade)
Two weeks after that she called on my neighbor next door neighbor for the same thing.
She called in again because I yelled at my son and moved him out of the way of the gas grill (while it was ON)
Finally we were in the backyard drinking beer (ewwe I don’t drink beer) with our kids present. CPS stopped by around five that time while my kids played in the slip and slide with my nice neighbors kids. We offered her a margarita. I told her the nutjob behind us drove us to drink. God has a sense of timing because at that moment - our husbands came out of my house with water guns the size of rocket fuel packs and doused all 8 kids (her five my three(
Fortunately for us and sadly for the Nutjobs they forgot to pay the mortgage and property taxes and the bank kindly asked them to move.
We like the new neighbors. He makes his own wine.
November 14th, 2009 at 2:28 amThat is scary. I have two really mean neighbors, too, and that is why we are planning to move. One of them, the meanest, is a former social worker. Your story sent chills down my spine. Glad you stayed calm and you have lots of others to support you. That totally stinks that you and your kids have to deal with this. UGH.
November 14th, 2009 at 2:39 amEwww. It sounds like some suburban version of Single White Female. Keep us posted so that we can also vouch for you out here. Yikes.
November 14th, 2009 at 3:11 amThis story makes me so uneasy, I can only imagine what it does to you. With someone that crazy, you can be sure that the tide will eventually turn against her and then the CPS will find the right door to be knocking on…her door.
November 14th, 2009 at 4:13 amI can’t even express what I feel for you. Except to hope that a freak giant meteorite hits her house.
November 14th, 2009 at 7:38 amThat is awful! And I don’t mean Miles, obviously, I mean the neighbor. I am so sorry! You sound so calm about it, but still, you must be shaken up. How horrible.
November 14th, 2009 at 9:30 amThat is all kinds of scary. And all this time, I was jealous that you left our frozen tundra of the northeast to a sunny suburban utopia down south. I think I’ll be more careful of what I wish for.
November 14th, 2009 at 9:36 amI cant imagine people do that; why?:(
November 14th, 2009 at 9:37 amthat is really unfortunate. Hope your kids are doing okay,
take care,
This is just crazy! We have had many neighbor incidents in the many places we have lived, but nothing like this. She is a nut! Please be careful-I wouldn’t put anything past this person.
November 14th, 2009 at 9:56 amOh geez, your crazy neighbor story totally beats mine. We’ve had the police at our door several times, but never CPS. We home school too so that thought is always in the back of my mind when an unknown car pulls up in front of our house. Even when you know you did nothing wrong, and the cops at your door are on your side, it is still very unsettling. I hope that things blow over soon.
November 14th, 2009 at 10:19 amThis is scary. When we were little we had some people rent a home at the edge of our neighborhood. The kids were very over-weight. The boy was always trying to start fights, and we were banned from playing with him. If he came around we were to go home immediately. One day, as all the kids left, he started chasing us. We were on bikes. He then tripped and fell onto his own arm and BROKE it. In a fit of rage he caught my little sister and pulled her off of her bike. Then he ran home crying. Three hours later he showed up at our door with his mother and he was wearing a cast. She demanded that my parents pay in full for her sons arm. He claimed that my 6 year old waif of a sister had PUSHED him down. He was around 10 and probably weighed 115. My parents told her in no uncertain terms that they would NOT be paying for any of this. Later we found out that she had gone to every house on the block, and demanded money from each family with a different story. They moved about three months after that and our neighborhood went back to it’s normal uneventful self.
November 14th, 2009 at 10:24 amWhy can’t parents stay out of the fray? We had a neighbor like that when I was growing up. She never called the cops or anything, but she had to be involved in every aspect of our play time. It got to the point that it wasn’t fun to play at their house any more. I can never remember the girl coming to my house, so I guess she wasn’t allowed to. Your kids seem to be well adjusted and happy. I’d say she’s probably jealous of your family!
November 14th, 2009 at 10:31 amI’m sorry you and your kids have to deal with the insecurities and vindictiveness of that family. You are doing a great job - keep it up!!
November 14th, 2009 at 10:35 amWOW! I grew up in a housing project and this sounds like many of my childhood stories. My mom always felt bad that we lived where we did, but it seems that crazy, mean, sick people live everywhere. I hope, for your sake, that woman and her family move far, far away.
November 14th, 2009 at 10:46 amMan I hate crazy neighbors. In my old apartment I had my own awesome crazy lady neighbor. I was so happy when we moved, I like my new neighbors.
November 14th, 2009 at 11:08 amI am stunned.
I would say restraining order but with the kids running loose in the neighborhood what can you do?
I am so glad I moved from my neighborhood of 11 years to a secluded little house. My neighborhood was getting weird too. We had a family down the street that let their kids run wild and they stole things and vandalized things.
Crazy.
November 14th, 2009 at 11:31 amRun away. Far, far away. Crazy people are scary. And dangerous.
November 14th, 2009 at 11:39 amI’ve been reading for a long time but first time posting. This woman does sound kinda off to put it mildly. Maybe the police could tell this woman to cool it and leave you alone. Who wants CPS coming to your door all the time. Besides, she seems kind of scary to me. Good luck!
November 14th, 2009 at 11:42 amOh goodness…what a nut job. So sorry you’re being hassled….
Mary
November 14th, 2009 at 1:26 pmWow. I’m so sorry you have to deal with that. Can’t she get in trouble for filing a false report? Wow.
November 14th, 2009 at 1:44 pmI am glad it turned out well for you all. As well as it can, rather. This neighbor sounds absolutely lovely…NOT! Hopefully, for your sake, she will move away and find someone else to terrorize, until she discovers where her child ended up due to his parenting. Jail can’t be fun, but sounds like that is what he is headed for unless someone gets a clue.
One thing I have to mention however is this…what is with the whole clean house=good parent to CPS? I mean, I know some meth addicts who have a clean house, because that is all they do while tweaking. It irks me that people equate a clean house with a good parent. Not everyone is blessed with the ability to be organized and tidy all the time. End of rant…
November 14th, 2009 at 1:45 pmOh shoot. Crazy lying neighbor lady just sucks, for you and for your boys.
November 14th, 2009 at 1:49 pmI’m so glad you got a reasonable person from CPS. Having them involved in any way can be so scary, especially when you are innocent.
I hope this woman doesn’t bother you again.
November 14th, 2009 at 2:02 pmwow. scary and dumb people are everywhere….
November 14th, 2009 at 2:29 pmIs there a way that you (and perhaps your husband) can have a serious chat with this woman (and perhaps her husband) with the aid of a mediator (maybe this man from social services) to help work this out? I would include your spouses because it seems to clearly be affecting the family as a whole.
Good Luck. I hope all will be better.
Chris says: There is no chatting with crazy
November 14th, 2009 at 2:45 pmOh My Goodness! She is a crazy person! I am so sorry that you are having to go through this. What a shame this lady has absolutely no life and has to resort to picking on other people’s kids and lying. (head shaking)
November 14th, 2009 at 3:30 pmOh, Chris! I’m so sorry that you have a crazy neighbor like that! How frustrating!
November 14th, 2009 at 3:52 pmWe were reported to CPS by a vindictive pediatrician when my youngest was an infant. We knew it was vindictive (our son had severe allergies and was fairly sick and we needed the help of specialists. Like an allergist, to start with. But the pediatrician wanted to, in his words, “save” our son. We didn’t, he said, need anyone else. When he found out that we had started going to specialists and were getting another opinion from a different pediatrician, he freaked out). Even the social worker assigned to us said he had a god-complex and was personally insulted that we went to someone else, and that therefore he had it in for us.
Even knowing that, even knowing CPS knew that, it was still horrifying, almost paralyzing. I hope the other family moves. Or that CPS goes after them for filing a false report. Or both.
November 14th, 2009 at 4:07 pmI am just one of your many blog readers and I am sorry that this even has to be an issue for you. I lived by a neighbor like this at one time and I can not say how happy I was when I moved away. But it sounds like everybody knows how she is and you have a lot of support. High five for your son punching her son. I know that violence is not always the answer but sometimes that is the only way some people know that you will not take anymore of there crap. Have you thought about punching this mother?
I will get you out of jail. I really hate people like this.
November 14th, 2009 at 4:42 pmThis isn’t the same woman who caused trouble with you at a football or baseball game was it?
Chris says: No! It wasn’t. I forgot all about that lady once the season ended. I feel like a crazy person magnet!
November 14th, 2009 at 4:52 pmHi,
I’ve been reading for a while, but never felt compelled to write before… until now.
Firstly, I’m sorry you have someone as unstable as this lady in your neighborhood. You seem to be handling it well (better than I would that’s for sure).
Secondly (and this is just my opinion), If I were you, I’d file a restraining order against her and any of her family member that you can think of.
November 14th, 2009 at 4:57 pmI’d also be tempted to tell her that if she lies anymore about you, you’ll sue her for libel or slander. Because your neighbors have already said they would vouch for you and they also can tell their stories about their encounters with this woman.
It should be against the law for this woman to harrass you in this manner. I would be tempted to sue her for slander or lying to officials, fight fire with fire, so to speak. I would also arm one of my children with a small video cam, so the next time an incident happens with the 11 yr old (and it seems likely something will!), you can get it on video and prove what a liar this crazy woman truly is…what a nightmare, I feel for you. (I would also get written statements from all the witnesses to the ‘assault’ by the 8 yr old on what REALLY happened, and keep those tucked away until the need arose to bring them out
If this CPS guy really thinks she’s going to be an ongoing issue in your life, I think it’s better to be proactive 
Good luck, maybe she’ll just move??
November 14th, 2009 at 5:03 pmStay clear and make sure all your kids know that if they have any contact with this family they are to tell you ASAP
November 14th, 2009 at 5:25 pmwrite it down and know who else was involved becase as the case worker said you have not heard the last of this one.
and hope that someone else is on her radar soon.
Holy crap, Chris. Hoooooo-leeeee cah-rap.
Of course you handled yourself well. Of course your OCD housecleaning was useful. And, of course That Lady was watching you tackle/role model for Miles.
I would not survive in a neighborhood. Hubs knows that which is why he keeps us in the country.
November 14th, 2009 at 5:35 pmWOW. wow.
That is craaazy stuff, I hope this mess brings you more amusement than irritation over the long run! Wow.
November 14th, 2009 at 6:00 pmNot all Texans are crazy. Yes, I realize there are A LOT of crazy Texan movies but, come on, you like us. You really really do. Don’t let her scare you off. One day you’ll even say “ya’ll” or better yet, “all ya’ll”. LOL Smooches, Chris. I wish you were my neighbor.
November 14th, 2009 at 6:04 pmI’ve loved your blog for so long and it just gives me a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach to hear this story. I hope your sense of humour continues to carry you through!
November 14th, 2009 at 6:48 pmOh my God, this woman sounds mental. Seems a bit like she is bullying you, with her vicious lies about your family. That is a shite situation to be in. I don’t know what else to say, I’m shocked.
November 14th, 2009 at 7:48 pmI am so sorry to read you have such a neighbor. No one deserves that. And of course, what bad luck that she would be at the stop sign.
November 14th, 2009 at 8:08 pmOkay…….
I will just tell you I have been there and I ended up in jail on a crazy person’s say so.
The charges were dropped but I did spend the day in jail and had an order of protection against me. And of course spent thousands of dollars defending myself. The DA finally told me this person was a liar but their was nothing they could do about it. This nut case lived right across the street and made life a living hell…..we finally had to move as did every neighbor at our end of the cul-de-sac.
Get a notebook and start documenting EVERYTHING to this point. Call the police every time you have an encounter with her and document those calls and who answered them and what occurred. This is going to be a long process
November 14th, 2009 at 8:29 pmCOVER YOUR ASS!
This worries me. I know she is crazy, and I know you are not abusing your children or stealing her possessions, but she IS crazy, and clearly has a lot of time on her hands, and I don’t know –sometimes things get started and then you’ve got CPS hanging out on your porch all the time or you’ve got all these things written up and Butterball decided they can;t employ you or you’re no longer allowed to volunteer at the school or — you know? So be careful — Do whatever you need to to make sure nothing weird happens.
November 14th, 2009 at 8:50 pmI guess that’s one pro to living in a rural area on 3 acres with essentially no neighbors. That’s so totally scary! You are such an awesome person and awesome parent. It would drive me nuts for someone to be telling lies about my family and me and live so close.
November 14th, 2009 at 8:55 pmOh Chris! You poor thing! I feel so bad that this crack-pot woman gets to take away your basic right to privacy…isn’t there anything that can be done to punish her for these false reports? She’s wasting tax dollars and social services valuable time by making those allegations! What a tough situation. And don’t you just love it when you get to add insult to injury? Ugh. Hang in there. Maybe the whole neighborhood will get together and ostracize them. I know you don’t want your kids to do it, but what else can you do to protect your family? I’ll bet their house will get egged LOTS once the kids are a tiny bit older.
November 14th, 2009 at 8:59 pmI am so sorry! Even though you have nothing to hide, this is going to get old quick, don’t let her get the best of you - that is what she wants. Please make sure your children (and you) are careful, I don’t mean to sound drastic but crazier things have happened.
November 14th, 2009 at 9:17 pmWOW What a character.
She would some mean karma coming back to her. And for you sake, I hope she moves away soon.
November 14th, 2009 at 9:38 pmSorry your going through this Chris….I would maybe talk to the cps officer that came by and ask him about filing a restraining order on her…if she is this crazy I wouldnt put a thing past her. I hope things get better!
November 14th, 2009 at 10:04 pmOMG…Of course she was there…Why? Why is it that for the twenty great neighbors you have, there has to be that one loon to make you miserable? Ahhh…Suburbia…
November 15th, 2009 at 12:04 amWow, and I thought that MY crazy neighbors were crazy. Just a thought, though you might feel like this stirs the pot. What about a restraining order against this woman and her son? He is the instigator, as well as she. This would definitely put the burden on their shoulders when something like this occurs…. It is one thing to be targeted by a unbalanced person, but when something like that happens to your child…. it is indeed chilling.
November 15th, 2009 at 12:14 amDid he suggest that you contact a lawyer? I’m just wondering if you can stop her with a harrassment charge. We had crazy neighbors who lived next to us and when we complained about thier dog to them they cut our phone line, slashed our tires and told us they would kill us. The police told us they would be happy to take our complaint but that they wouldn’t be able to protect us and that they would only be able to do something once they found our dead bodies. (I’m paraphrasing). It wasn’t very encouraging.
November 15th, 2009 at 12:42 amI’m sorry. This sucks and it sounds like it will get worse before it gets better. I would start a notebook and document everything. If necessary chat with a lawyer about harrasment and/or defamation. I’m not sure what the statutes are but there should be some recourse if she continues to be deceptive and agressive.
November 15th, 2009 at 1:12 amOh my GOSH! I can’t believe this story gets worse. Well, I couldn’t believe it if I didn’t run into someone like this woman in my own neighborhood. My child’s basketball coach who condoned his son’s attempting to punch my son (his own teammate) in a game because my son “got in his way” while running down the court. My husband and I pulled my son off the team right before the playoffs, which was hard. We’d just watched too much bad sportsmanship and unacceptable behavior from the coach himself to let it go on any more. Well, little did we know, but when this man gets angry with you, he does NOT let it go. He harassed us by email, spread lies about us and about what happened that night, and continued on. Thankfully, he just moved out of our neighborhood and to a different city because of course we ran into him everywhere after this conflict.
I hope your lady moves, or moves on to a new target soon!
November 15th, 2009 at 2:29 amOh man that is just craziness! My cousin has a neighbor like this and she is a constant thorn in the side.
November 15th, 2009 at 8:34 amPlease follow thru with this re CPS to make sure its taken off your record. I have a friend who had a similar incident. A vindictive woman called CPS( here in TX) on her, claiming the kids ate nothing but pancakes. She was livid when CPS interviewed her kids and asked all sort of personal stuff pertaining to abuse. I believe that once it’s determined to be a spite call, they will remove it from their records after a length of time, if you ask in writing.
November 15th, 2009 at 10:03 amOH GOOD GOD! You know what…I would just completely ignore her… Like you said you have NOTHING TO HIDE…let her call childrens services… and as far as she should know you need to be UNFAZED by it… she will eventually loose interest… is there another area they can play in??
the really sad part in this is that those kids are living this life…they have learned that this is how to handle situations and to be agressive… her kids are victims too… and maybe a call to childrens services regarding her family is in order…but for the right reasons…not revenge but to get them help!!
Julie
November 15th, 2009 at 10:39 amIn the immortal words of Tina Fey, “what the what?” On all counts.
November 15th, 2009 at 12:30 pmWhat a tough situation! I feel for you… No chance she will move then?
November 15th, 2009 at 1:00 pmWow. I don’t even know what to think or say. That woman sounds really off kilter and scary. It sounds like the apples don’t fall far from the tree either. I am so sorry you’re dealing with THAT. No advice here but I hope things blow over fast and stay that way.
November 15th, 2009 at 1:06 pmThis story is terrifying. I am so sorry you and your family are having to go through this with your neighbor. I have no advice or suggestions, but simply wanted to comment to let you know someone out there in the world is genuinely empathizing with your situation!
I always love your posts and wish you well!
November 15th, 2009 at 1:45 pmOf course… Don’t sweat the trip/tackle.
November 15th, 2009 at 1:48 pmShe’s out to get you because she’s jealous. She’s jealous of you, your family, your relationship with your kids. She wants what you have. She figures she’ll just destroy what you have so she can have it. Fortunately, it doesn’t work that way.
Keep your chin up. Live your life. Keep your friends close and your house clean (since we know CPS will be back…).
Hugs.
xo
LBC
That woman is a she-demon. Most sorry for your horrible, terrible, very bad neighbor issue.
Here’s hoping the lack of attention for her type of crazy will cause her to cease & desist.
It is stomach churning to have this type of hostility pointed in your direction.
November 15th, 2009 at 4:49 pmArgh.
It is actually kind of amazing in this world of technology, that no one whipped out their gadget-toy-smart-phone-camera thingy and taped it.
Ha.
Good luck to you and yours. And btw I race my 4yo all the time…tackling and tripping and all of it!
November 15th, 2009 at 5:48 pmChris - This is infuriating on multiple levels. In addition to the ridiculous claim, it bothers me that this woman seems to have no regard for the fact that she’s wasting govt resources. After CPS “checked” you out, they should start billing her for every time she calls.
November 15th, 2009 at 6:45 pmOh, for pete sakes! I HATE people like her!!! GET A LIFE is what keeps coming to mind. Obviously she needs more to do.
I’m so sorry this has happened, Chris. I don’t even know what else to say…
November 15th, 2009 at 10:44 pmYikes. Its every parents nightmare to have Child Protective Services knocking at the door, but it sounds like he got the picture pretty quickly.
November 15th, 2009 at 10:58 pmOh my. I am so sorry that you and your family are having to go through all of this. You are a great mother with wonderful children in a happy and loving home.
November 15th, 2009 at 11:33 pmUgh, nasty neighbors. I guess everyone gets to have one at some point. Pretty scary though. Well, at least you have the Child Protective Services at your side.
I’m glad your kids can speak up about the issue. Still, do keep an eye on them. We don’t know what that woman can do.
November 16th, 2009 at 12:39 amWHAT A NUT JOB!!! Unfortunatly they are out there. I feel lucky so far that, I’ve missed them. Be careful. I have a friend who had CPS in her house and it became a nightmare. They treated her like she was guilty until proven innocent. I’m not trying to scare you it’s just awful to me that some nut job can cause anyone such grief. You’re a great mom with great kids. I think she jealous and I am sticking with that. Best of luck with the whole issue.
November 16th, 2009 at 1:04 amWow. That is really scary. I am so sorry you have to deal with that in your own hood. We will cross our fingers they move soon!
November 16th, 2009 at 1:11 amThank you for satisfying our curiosity about the policeman at your door! I do not envy your situation. I hope the pros to living in that neighborhood outweigh the cons.
November 16th, 2009 at 1:23 amMy family is currently being sued by our very own version of this neighbor lady. SIGH. What else is there to even say…
November 16th, 2009 at 2:54 amOh my, my….they even make the kooks bigger in Texas it seems.
November 16th, 2009 at 7:07 amI would consider talking to the case worker and getting a restraining order for the 8 year old. It takes two to play at that kind of twisted game.
November 16th, 2009 at 8:44 amInto every life, comes at least one crazy person. I’ve already had at least 3. Stay true to yourself and your kids.
I had a crazy neighbor…and I used to pray every day that she would move away. Can you imagine my complete and utter joy the day I drove down my street and saw a For Sale sign in her yard?
Pray. Just sayin’.
November 16th, 2009 at 8:54 amSo, um, when are ya gonna move?
(Sorry to read this story… does not sound like that kid is gonna have a good time making friends…)
November 16th, 2009 at 9:08 amI’m so sorry that you’re having to deal with this. It’s a criminal shame that people use the system meant to protect as a means to harass others - they should be held accountable for lying to police officers/CPS because that takes time away from those who are truly in need of help. And it makes the police less likely to take cases seriously when they spend so much time chasing down spurious charges. I’ve enjoyed hearing about you & your family for several years - thanks for sharing with us and I hope this situation gets better.
November 16th, 2009 at 10:36 amOh good gravy, what a crazy person! If she keeps at it, could you look into a harassment suit? That’s just crazy!
November 16th, 2009 at 10:45 amOY. So what do you do to protect yourself/your family? Did he have any suggestions for that? Start documenting EVERYTHING? Hmmm, in this case turning your life into a reality show might be easier - at least then someone else would be documenting for you.
November 16th, 2009 at 10:53 amCreepy! I bet she secretly hates herself and is taking it out on you, hang in there, maybe she’ll move.
November 16th, 2009 at 11:52 amThis is just sad all the way around!
On a lighter note…your story about tackling Miles made me think: I hope “they” don’t find out about you letting your kids ride bikes on the high-speed death trap they call the cul-d-sac without helmets. Or, the millions of times you’ve let them play in the thunder and lightning in the rock, glass, and needle infested gutters while wearing no shoes
bwhahahaha!
November 16th, 2009 at 12:27 pmUsually I complain (only a little) about the fact that there are almost no kids on our block. All of my neighbors are at least 60 (some are very close to 100). This makes me grateful that I only have to worry about all of the grandparents around me giving my child candy ALL the time!!
November 16th, 2009 at 1:00 pmI hate to say it, but I’m glad you stopped homeschooling before the calls to CPS started. Talk about nightmare squared! Why can’t you turn the tables and phone her in? I know, vindictive and all, but I’m just sayin’–she has a lot more to hide than you.
November 16th, 2009 at 1:24 pmFirst I would go to her home with my husband and have a talk with her and try to see what exactly she has a problem with.
Next I would have a lawyer send her a letter telling her in not so many words that she had better keep her mouth shut or she will be taken to court.
November 16th, 2009 at 2:46 pmThere are crazy b*tches everywhere!!!
We had the mom of another girl in my daughter’s gymnastic class file an insurance claim against us because my then 2-year daughter opened my car door and dinged her “brand new” vehicle. YES - you read that right - she filed a claim against my 2-year old.
When I called to confirm that the door had been fixed - to the tune of $700 - the agent at State Farm actually put me on hold when I jokingly said “wow - that’s a lot of money y’all had to spend because of a 2-year old”.
I NEVER spoke to that mom again and it takes everything I have not to go key her vehicle on that exact spot.
Sorry you CNL called CPS. I agree with all the others - pad your file with supporting documentation. She’ll get hers in the end.
November 16th, 2009 at 3:02 pmThis happened near us and was in our local paper. CNL also put up video cameras (in her home, pointed at the street) and recorded the kids outside, and called the police every single time the kids were playing in the street. The neighbors tried to join together and buy the family out. Several families did get restraining orders but apparently could not stop this lady from taping the kids since she did it from inside her house. Honestly, I lost track of it only when my friend who lived on that street moved to a new neighborhood.
November 16th, 2009 at 5:08 pmThis pisses me off so bad. The abuse of CPS for frivalous claims is one of the reasons that CPS is overloaded and cannot devote the time needed to cases in which children REALLY are being neglected or abused. This woman needs arrested for filing a false complaint, and served as an example to prevent further abuses of Child Protective Services. If there is real suspected abuse, by all means call and report it, but using CPS as a form of bullying is criminal!
November 16th, 2009 at 11:13 pmGood grief! People are so strange…
November 19th, 2009 at 11:59 amTwo words: Restraining Order. I would look into it.
November 19th, 2009 at 11:59 amI hate the fact that someone is using a government agency as a weapon against someone else. That’s just sick! There are so many kids out there who actually need help and sick, sick people abuse the system for personal vendetta! Gesh. Go you. I’m glad you took the high road and best of luck with future encounters.
November 21st, 2009 at 9:37 amBeen there done that sort of. We have been reported falsely so many times it is not funny. At one point we actually had a CPS worker in our home weekly. They knew it was BS. We knew it was BS. Why were they there? Because we had fired the night nurses that were suppose to be monitoring our daughter’s tube feeding.
November 22nd, 2009 at 12:49 pmOne was fired for a suspected hitting of another of our children, another for leaving mid shift and not telling us (she did disconnect my daughter’s feed first), and another for feeding our daughter candy at 2 am after being asked multiple times not to.
All three were/are mandated reports in our state, but filing a report after you are fired is not a good idea. CPS saw it for what it was retaliation. Most CPS workers are pretty good at walking into a home and knowing what the real story is.
Yuck. How scary and upsetting.
I am so glad it sounds like you got a reasonable and decent human being in the form of a CPS worker. Hopefully he’ll make note that she’s a nutcase and keep that in your file for future calls.
Thank God nobody ever called CPS on us, but when my dh was fixing up a home, there was a neighbor harassing him and she eventually escalated to repeatedly calling the code office on him. The code officer stopped coming down to check on it because the first time he came it was obvious what a LIAR she was. He just told dh to just drop in to the office if he ever got a “code violation” letter on that house again.
November 26th, 2009 at 2:50 pmI read this and my heart literally sank into my stomach. As a former teacher and my husband a current school administrator, I can’t count the times I’ve seen a situation like this play out.
This woman is not only mentally ill. She is of the dangerous mentally ill vein. And why this CNL is still running free is beyond me.
In my experience doing the restraining order thing would just cause her to ratchet up her game.
Just keep remembering what a strong and smart Mama you really are.
Instead I’d document everything. And I mean everything. I’d also make sure you shouted from the housetops each and every single time she pulled something like this.
What I’ve experienced is that once this woman sees the support you have, etc., she will grow tired of the whole deal and move on. This type of woman has to have someone to take her hatred out on, and sadly enough, it usually is her kids and family she does this to.
Which says a lot about how her kids act. And while it isn’t an excuse for her kids to act the way they do, it does give you a bit of an insight to them.
Although I’m pretty sure you’ve already figured that out and that is one of the reasons why you asked your kids not to ostracize him.
By no means am I saying your kids have to take any crap, you should all absolutely stand your ground, just make sure you document everything.
You may want to think about sharing this with your kids’ teachers/administrators if all these kids go to the same school. Believe it or not a teacher’s positive testimony can weigh a good bit in a CPS situation.
And if something happens again, maybe you could turn the tables and call the CPS guy before she does.
November 28th, 2009 at 3:06 pmI agree… there is no chatting or reasoning with crazy… they see the world out of different eyes than the rest of us. Good Luck!
November 28th, 2009 at 8:05 pmJust wondering if there is a Mr. Bat-shit Crazy that is married to this idiot?
December 3rd, 2009 at 8:06 pm