SIDEBAR #18- Arias/Alexander forum

[Linda7NJ]

I've found too if you enlist children's help when cooking they get all excited about eating it!

When my son was about three I had him help me make Spanakopita ... To this day it's one of his favorite things in the whole world and he often cooks a giant pan of it kid loves spinach! And feta ...

 

[gcharlie]

My grandmother was born and raised in England and basically boiled everything to death. My dad had to teach my mother how to cook.

She did okay with cooking and she really knew how to bake great pastries.

Me, I do pretty well in the cooking department, but fail miserably in baking. I'm better off with cookies or cake mixes.

I do agree with having kids help to cook...it helps them so much. My son now impresses his friends and girlfriends with how well he can cook.

 

[m1279]

I need to vent, I hope I don't catch any flack for this. I just called the non-emergency police line on my neighbors. I live in an apartment complex and it's always pretty quiet here. I live on the first floor and sit outside on my patio a lot when the evenings are nice. Let me just say that I'm NOT a parent, so be gentle with me. I really hope I don't sound judgemental. And I'm sorry for the long post!

These people moved in a few weeks ago, I don't even know who all is living there because there are always people coming and going. There is at least one little one, maybe close to 2 yrs? Anyway, the man and woman are always sitting outside, and the little boy runs around in just his diaper. He's adorable! Anyway, they don't pay attention to him. He runs ALL over the place, including out in the parking lot. I don't know how many times I've seen the dad finally get up and chase after him. The mom just sits in her chair and laughs. I'm a tad naive, but I'm not stupid. The dad can barely walk a straight line, there are people coming over ALL hours of the night (i'm an insomniac and go outside to smoke during the night) and they only stay for a few minutes, there's a lot of arguing between the adults, etc. I could go on and on. I've seen this baby running around at 2am

Anyway, tonight. I was sitting outside. There are 4 adults over there on their patio, and 3 kids...the baby in his diaper and 2 young girls (under 5 I'm guessing). They're playing IN THE PARKING LOT, and a car comes flying through. Thank goodness for the speed bump or this car would've hit at least one of the kids. The adults started laughing and I heard the "dad" say to one of the others "you go get him this time. He doesn't listen to me." Seriously?? I actually went over there (i'm in my pjs with no bra even lol) and asked if they needed a babysitter for the night. I said that clearly nobody wanted to watch the kids and they were going to get hurt with no supervision. Only one adult made eye contact with me and he just said "they're fine. Go home and don't worry about it."

They've gone inside since but I'm totally worried sick about these babies. The dispatcher said they'll check it out but I doubt they will.

 

[LambChop]

I need to vent, I hope I don't catch any flack for this. I just called the non-emergency police line on my neighbors. I live in an apartment complex and it's always pretty quiet here. I live on the first floor and sit outside on my patio a lot when the evenings are nice. Let me just say that I'm NOT a parent, so be gentle with me. I really hope I don't sound judgemental. And I'm sorry for the long post!

These people moved in a few weeks ago, I don't even know who all is living there because there are always people coming and going. There is at least one little one, maybe close to 2 yrs? Anyway, the man and woman are always sitting outside, and the little boy runs around in just his diaper. He's adorable! Anyway, they don't pay attention to him. He runs ALL over the place, including out in the parking lot. I don't know how many times I've seen the dad finally get up and chase after him. The mom just sits in her chair and laughs. I'm a tad naive, but I'm not stupid. The dad can barely walk a straight line, there are people coming over ALL hours of the night (i'm an insomniac and go outside to smoke during the night) and they only stay for a few minutes, there's a lot of arguing between the adults, etc. I could go on and on. I've seen this baby running around at 2am

Anyway, tonight. I was sitting outside. There are 4 adults over there on their patio, and 3 kids...the baby in his diaper and 2 young girls (under 5 I'm guessing). They're playing IN THE PARKING LOT, and a car comes flying through. Thank goodness for the speed bump or this car would've hit at least one of the kids. The adults started laughing and I heard the "dad" say to one of the others "you go get him this time. He doesn't listen to me." Seriously?? I actually went over there (i'm in my pjs with no bra even lol) and asked if they needed a babysitter for the night. I said that clearly nobody wanted to watch the kids and they were going to get hurt with no supervision. Only one adult made eye contact with me and he just said "they're fine. Go home and don't worry about it."

They've gone inside since but I'm totally worried sick about these babies. The dispatcher said they'll check it out but I doubt they will.

You did right. They have to check it out and follow up with Child Protective Services. Don't be surprised if you get a call. Everything is recorded today so they have to follow up.

 

[m1279]

You did right. They have to check it out and follow up with Child Protective Services. Don't be surprised if you get a call. Everything is recorded today so they have to follow up.

Thank you. This makes me so sad. I'm sitting outside right now, just watching the traffic in and out of their apartment (2 people have knocked on their patio door and left since my post) Have yet to see a police car though.

 

[PrincessSezMe]

I think that my parents argued over this one, but came to an agreement.

With five kids, they could not possibly cater to food whims. The deal was each child got to choose one "inedible". When that food was served, the kid did not have to eat it. As for everything else, we ate family style. Whatever you put on your plate, you had to eat. You at least had to take a spoonful of everything but your inedible.

It was a pretty good solution. Except my mother always combined two foods that I hated (some weird sausage and canned creamed corn) in the same meal. I was stuck because I was gonna gag on one of them. The sausage ended up being my inedible.

We kids had to be strategic...you might really really really hate something, but if it was only served once a year, you might be better off choosing something that you only really, really hated that was served once a month.

Poor sister got stuck sitting at the table crying for four hours trying to gag down scallops. She gambled and choose something different, but that one night she had to sit there. My mom finally just sent her up to bed without any dinner.

I know right? Nowadays they call that child abuse :floorlaugh:. We ate what was put in front of us or we went without. Simple rule, and easy to follow.

My two boys are so fussy they drive me crazy. One has the appetite of a bird, and the other one has the appetite of a horse. Only the horse will only eat chicken, or pork chops, or ribs, or steak. No hamburger, no pasta, no tomato sauce of any kind, no macaroni and cheese. No ketchup, nothing tomato of any kind, unless it's pizza sauce. He's lucky he doesn't starve to death. :floorlaugh:

 

[PrincessSezMe]

Can I come? I know it is rude to invite yourself.

I invited you first! Did you miss it? :floorlaugh:

 

[m1279]

I invited you first! Did you miss it? :floorlaugh:

I caught that, but I was too embarrassed to invite myself so I liked Kensie's post :blushing:

 

[Linda7NJ]

I need to vent, I hope I don't catch any flack for this. I just called the non-emergency police line on my neighbors. I live in an apartment complex and it's always pretty quiet here. I live on the first floor and sit outside on my patio a lot when the evenings are nice. Let me just say that I'm NOT a parent, so be gentle with me. I really hope I don't sound judgemental. And I'm sorry for the long post!

These people moved in a few weeks ago, I don't even know who all is living there because there are always people coming and going. There is at least one little one, maybe close to 2 yrs? Anyway, the man and woman are always sitting outside, and the little boy runs around in just his diaper. He's adorable! Anyway, they don't pay attention to him. He runs ALL over the place, including out in the parking lot. I don't know how many times I've seen the dad finally get up and chase after him. The mom just sits in her chair and laughs. I'm a tad naive, but I'm not stupid. The dad can barely walk a straight line, there are people coming over ALL hours of the night (i'm an insomniac and go outside to smoke during the night) and they only stay for a few minutes, there's a lot of arguing between the adults, etc. I could go on and on. I've seen this baby running around at 2am

Anyway, tonight. I was sitting outside. There are 4 adults over there on their patio, and 3 kids...the baby in his diaper and 2 young girls (under 5 I'm guessing). They're playing IN THE PARKING LOT, and a car comes flying through. Thank goodness for the speed bump or this car would've hit at least one of the kids. The adults started laughing and I heard the "dad" say to one of the others "you go get him this time. He doesn't listen to me." Seriously?? I actually went over there (i'm in my pjs with no bra even lol) and asked if they needed a babysitter for the night. I said that clearly nobody wanted to watch the kids and they were going to get hurt with no supervision. Only one adult made eye contact with me and he just said "they're fine. Go home and don't worry about it."

They've gone inside since but I'm totally worried sick about these babies. The dispatcher said they'll check it out but I doubt they will.

You did the right thing. If I were you, I'd wait a week or so and hotline the entire situation to CPS. You won't have to give your name. It sounds like a drug house.

 

[PrincessSezMe]

I need to vent, I hope I don't catch any flack for this. I just called the non-emergency police line on my neighbors. I live in an apartment complex and it's always pretty quiet here. I live on the first floor and sit outside on my patio a lot when the evenings are nice. Let me just say that I'm NOT a parent, so be gentle with me. I really hope I don't sound judgemental. And I'm sorry for the long post!

These people moved in a few weeks ago, I don't even know who all is living there because there are always people coming and going. There is at least one little one, maybe close to 2 yrs? Anyway, the man and woman are always sitting outside, and the little boy runs around in just his diaper. He's adorable! Anyway, they don't pay attention to him. He runs ALL over the place, including out in the parking lot. I don't know how many times I've seen the dad finally get up and chase after him. The mom just sits in her chair and laughs. I'm a tad naive, but I'm not stupid. The dad can barely walk a straight line, there are people coming over ALL hours of the night (i'm an insomniac and go outside to smoke during the night) and they only stay for a few minutes, there's a lot of arguing between the adults, etc. I could go on and on. I've seen this baby running around at 2am

Anyway, tonight. I was sitting outside. There are 4 adults over there on their patio, and 3 kids...the baby in his diaper and 2 young girls (under 5 I'm guessing). They're playing IN THE PARKING LOT, and a car comes flying through. Thank goodness for the speed bump or this car would've hit at least one of the kids. The adults started laughing and I heard the "dad" say to one of the others "you go get him this time. He doesn't listen to me." Seriously?? I actually went over there (i'm in my pjs with no bra even lol) and asked if they needed a babysitter for the night. I said that clearly nobody wanted to watch the kids and they were going to get hurt with no supervision. Only one adult made eye contact with me and he just said "they're fine. Go home and don't worry about it."

They've gone inside since but I'm totally worried sick about these babies. The dispatcher said they'll check it out but I doubt they will.

You did the right thing m. You can never make a mistake when it comes to the welfare of a child at risk. We lived in a lower rent district of Calgary for a year when we first moved out west. There was a couple in the fourplex across from ours that had a son about four years old. They hung a rope off of the top balcony of their unit for him to play on. I held my breath every time he was out there hoping he wouldn't hang himself. They also would leave him outside on his own when he came home from the babysitters. He would be locked out of the house and they weren't home yet. I tried to bring him in one evening, but he refused. I should have called the police on them. I still regret it. I was just very young and didn't know what to do. You really did do the right thing.

 

[Linda7NJ]

Thank you. This makes me so sad. I'm sitting outside right now, just watching the traffic in and out of their apartment (2 people have knocked on their patio door and left since my post) Have yet to see a police car though.

Call CPS tonight.

 

[PrincessSezMe]

I caught that, but I was too embarrassed to invite myself so I liked Kensie's post :blushing:

You come too m. And bring your appetite because the stew was really good. Hubby loved it! The only thing I did was cook the buttersquash a bit too long. I've never done it before so thought it would take about as long as the carrots, but it cooked a little quicker.

 

[PrincessSezMe]

And Linda, and Bernina, and Niner and Nore and anyone else I've forgotten. COME ON DOWN for dinner some time. I love to cook for those that enjoy it.

 

[m1279]

Call CPS tonight.

I just called the non-emergency line again. A different dispatcher this time, said they'll send someone out. I told them that's what the last dispatcher said and I haven't seen anyone yet, he said they're busy on a Friday night but someone will be out.

Seriously?? This is Des Moines, IA. Not a big city. Ugh.

 

[m1279]

You come too m. And bring your appetite because the stew was really good. Hubby loved it! The only thing I did was cook the buttersquash a bit too long. I've never done it before so thought it would take about as long as the carrots, but it cooked a little quicker.

Omg that sounds so good! I'm totally on my way, Princess! It would be so awesome to have a WS getogether

Tomorrow will be my first home-cooked meal in awhile...going home to see the family. My baby sister just moved back from Florida after 7 years I haven't seen her since Christmas 2011.

 

[PrincessSezMe]

I just called the non-emergency line again. A different dispatcher this time, said they'll send someone out. I told them that's what the last dispatcher said and I haven't seen anyone yet, he said they're busy on a Friday night but someone will be out.

Seriously?? This is Des Moines, IA. Not a big city. Ugh.

Follow your gut. If you think those little ones are in danger then don't let up on LE until they show up.

 

[daisymae]

I need to vent, I hope I don't catch any flack for this. I just called the non-emergency police line on my neighbors. I live in an apartment complex and it's always pretty quiet here. I live on the first floor and sit outside on my patio a lot when the evenings are nice. Let me just say that I'm NOT a parent, so be gentle with me. I really hope I don't sound judgemental. And I'm sorry for the long post!

These people moved in a few weeks ago, I don't even know who all is living there because there are always people coming and going. There is at least one little one, maybe close to 2 yrs? Anyway, the man and woman are always sitting outside, and the little boy runs around in just his diaper. He's adorable! Anyway, they don't pay attention to him. He runs ALL over the place, including out in the parking lot. I don't know how many times I've seen the dad finally get up and chase after him. The mom just sits in her chair and laughs. I'm a tad naive, but I'm not stupid. The dad can barely walk a straight line, there are people coming over ALL hours of the night (i'm an insomniac and go outside to smoke during the night) and they only stay for a few minutes, there's a lot of arguing between the adults, etc. I could go on and on. I've seen this baby running around at 2am

Anyway, tonight. I was sitting outside. There are 4 adults over there on their patio, and 3 kids...the baby in his diaper and 2 young girls (under 5 I'm guessing). They're playing IN THE PARKING LOT, and a car comes flying through. Thank goodness for the speed bump or this car would've hit at least one of the kids. The adults started laughing and I heard the "dad" say to one of the others "you go get him this time. He doesn't listen to me." Seriously?? I actually went over there (i'm in my pjs with no bra even lol) and asked if they needed a babysitter for the night. I said that clearly nobody wanted to watch the kids and they were going to get hurt with no supervision. Only one adult made eye contact with me and he just said "they're fine. Go home and don't worry about it."

They've gone inside since but I'm totally worried sick about these babies. The dispatcher said they'll check it out but I doubt they will.

The activity around there sounds like they're selling drugs. if you have security in the complex keep calling them, or the police. Be careful! Complain to the management about all the noise.

 

[PrincessSezMe]

This is a seriously good stew. And if you're not into fussing with the butter squash, use potatoes or sweet potatoes. I substituted the brocolli for carrots and some peas (brocolli doesn't belong in a stew IMO), but otherwise it was great. I also thickened it with a bit of cornstarch when it was done because I like a hearty stew and it was more like soup. I also put dumplings in it because hubby was going to pout if I didn't put dumplings in the stew. :floorlaugh:. If anyone wants the recipe let me know and I'll post it and my famous dumpling (never fail) recipe.

 

[Nore]

My girlfriends baby looked just like Mr. Magoo when she was born!

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OMG! Linda, my friend had a boy who looked just like Mr.Magoo, nose and all! He looked like his father. That baby was born a long time ago..:seeya:

 

[Nore]

This is a seriously good stew. And if you're not into fussing with the butter squash, use potatoes or sweet potatoes. I substituted the brocolli for carrots and some peas (brocolli doesn't belong in a stew IMO), but otherwise it was great. I also thickened it with a bit of cornstarch when it was done because I like a hearty stew and it was more like soup. I also put dumplings in it because hubby was going to pout if I didn't put dumplings in the stew. :floorlaugh:. If anyone wants the recipe let me know and I'll post it and my famous dumpling (never fail) recipe.

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Hi, I'd like the dumpling recipe. Can I use them in the crock pot? I'm making stew tomorrow for me and Buffy.. Thanks.:seeya: