Valley House 1960 and 2015

The first house my family owned was in Canoga Park, California. Here's a photo of the way it looked then in 1960 and the way it looks now in 2015!

I Have a Feeling That My Family Doesn't Fit In "Little Boxes"....

Two weeks ago, on August 19, 2015, my husband, Dan, and I, took our daughter Rebekah to college. We did the usual "parent thing." We moved her into the dorms, went to the new student-parent weekend, and hugged Rebekah good-bye as she began her new life and adventure as a college student and freshman.

Well...that was not meant to be.

 A week later, Rebekah realized she'd chosen the wrong college for herself, for her future, and for her passions.  She withdrew from Colorado Western State University on Friday, August 28, and on Saturday, August 29, Dan and Annabelle drove to Gunnison (while I was away in Lake Placid) and brought Rebekah home.

By Tuesday, Rebekah had lined up an interview, and instead of spending this year living in a college dorm and doing the "liberal arts college student thing," she will be doing an internship at the Colorado Springs Conservatory, developing her musical talents and acting skills, teaching young kids at The Conservatory, and she also has been chosen for a lead role in two plays at The Mezzanine!

Rebekah will eventually go to a college or university that is right for her. It will be one where she can follow her passions.  The Conservatory is committed to helping her meet that goal.

This experience has made me realize that the Schneider-Farris family and the way I brought up my children in a unschool-homeschool-skating lifestyle means we do not fit into "Little Boxes".....

 

Little Boxes

Words and music by Malvina Reynolds; copyright 1962

Sung by Pete Seeger

Little boxes on the hillside,
Little boxes made of ticky tacky,
Little boxes on the hillside,
Little boxes all the same.
There's a green one and a pink one
And a blue one and a yellow one,
And they're all made out of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same.

And the people in the houses
All went to the university,
Where they were put in boxes
And they came out all the same,
And there's doctors and lawyers,
And business executives,
And they're all made out of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same.

And they all play on the golf course
And drink their martinis dry,
And they all have pretty children
And the children go to school,
And the children go to summer camp
And then to the university,
Where they are put in boxes
And they come out all the same.

And the boys go into business
And marry and raise a family
In boxes made of ticky-tacky
And they all look just the same
There's a green one and a pink one
And a blue one and a yellow one
And they're all made out of ticky-tacky
And they all look just the same

Rebekah Goes Off to College! 8-19-15

Dan and I took Rebekah to college this week! She's going to Colorado Western State University in Gunnison (and there is an ice rink across the street from the school!) She is looking forward to doing a bunch of outdoor things and is so grown up and mature and ready!  We are so proud of her!

Help! My Husband's 87 Year Old Uncle Has Been Tricked and Is Trapped at Villa St. Francis Nursing Home in Kansas City, Kansas!

Can a person be forced against their will to stay in a nursing home?

Two weeks ago, my husband and his brothers and cousins saw their Uncle Ben Farris and his wife Alma.

Alma and Ben took a short trip from their home in Visalia, California to see Ben's family in southern California and were told that Ben and Alma would be moving to Kansas so that Alma could be closer to her daughter.  Ben was told he'd be living with his wife and her family.  They were excited about beginning a new life near Alma's family.  All seemed fine.

A week later, Ben and Alma arrived in Kansas, but instead of being taken to his wife's family's house, Ben was taken to a nursing home called Villa St. Francis against his will!  Before he knew it, he was trapped there.

A day or so later, Ben called his nephew and asked if he could come and get him out of the place since he described conditions that were "more than horrible."

The nephew promptly went to Kansas City, but when Ben and and Dan's cousin tried to leave, the police were called.  Apparently, a doctor has put in writing that Ben is incompetent!

Ben is being held as a prisoner at Villa St. Francis and against his will and against the wishes of his family!

Dan and his family just saw Ben, and Ben is certainly not incompetent.  He's 87 years old, and fine. There has been some instances of short term memory loss, but nothing to justify the incompetent declaration!  Also, apparently Ben uses a walker to help him walk and is not able to drive.

It seems that Villa St. Francis Nursing Home in Kansas is holding 87 year old Ben Farris against his will!  

In addition, Ben is now not allowed to receive calls or visits from his family (except from his wife Alma Farris and his step-daughter Susan).

Ben is totally isolated and has been left alone.  He says there is nothing to do except watch TV and eat meals at this place and is very bored.

The whole thing is horrible and it is hard to believe his wife allowed this to happen!

It seems to be that Ben was tricked by his own wife Alma Farris and his wife's family!

I have heard his wife and step daughters's family are now trying to sell Ben's house and take all his money away from him too.

A lawyer has been hired, but apparently the lawyer has been not been able to do much.  While Ben rots there in a place that is like a prison, he could die!    

I've seen what goes on in some nursing homes, and the conditions are sometimes worse than what existed in work houses in England.

My husband's family wants their uncle out of this place soon.

HELP!

Miracle Photo...8-7-15

Those who have known me and Dan for many years know that this photo represents a miracle (and answered prayers)!!!!

Letters to Annabelle while she was away at camp

This email was sent to Annabelle Farris by Jo Ann Farris on06/24/2015.

Annabelle!
Hi! After we left you at the bus, we got Grandpa's rental car and then we left it in the Springs and we went to Woodland Park to see the house we thought was so cool. It was nice, but not right for us. We drove around Woodland Park too. Grandpa wants us to get a house near the ice rink... I'm going to begin taking stuff to Goodwill today and then we'll see if a move can really happen. Joel doesn't want us to move. I appreciate our house more since seeing the one yesterday though. It is so big and in a much nicer neighborhood than the house we saw yeserday. You looked like you were having such a nice time already yesterday at the bus. The one girl that we first met sure had a lot of make up on! Is she wearing that much make up at camp? (I thought it was so weird to see someone that decked out in make up before going to an outdoor camp!) Of course Joel was irritable all day. Daddy says he misses you already. Rebekah, says she looked at some of the photos from yesterday on the Ramah FB page and as usual was busy at rehearsals. Write soon and I'll try to write a letter on paper to you too. Love you SO MUCH! Mommy

 This email was sent to Annabelle Farris by Jo Ann Farris on06/27/2015.

Dear Annabelle:
Sorry I have been so bad about writing. All is okay here. We took a bunch of stuff to Goodwill today and will take all of Joel's stuff to Larkspur tomorrow. We are going to rent a van from U-Haul for the day. I rode my bike on Thursday to Old Colorado City to Gail's and then saw Larisa at her art studio. Then I rode my bike Downtown to see Rebekah sing at the Mezzanine. She was so good! She sang this song called "I Could Be Jewish For You." It was so funny! Joel and I taught two hockey lessons yesterday and then we watched this jump competition at the World Arena. It was really cool! Quad jump combos, triple Axels, and back flips! We are all thinking about you and hope you have a wonderful time on your Masa. Hugs and love, Mommy

 This email was sent to Annabelle Farris by Jo Ann Farris on07/02/2015.

Dear Annabelle:
I hope your Masa was great. Shabbat Shalom! It's been a busy week since we threw away a bunch of stuff and we are getting a wood floor put in the basement! Joel thinks we should look for a house in the north end of the Springs (the area north and east of CC), not in Woodland Park. Rebekah's room is still a mess. We are going to put a bunch of stuff in the storeroom which is emptier. The garage looks better. We are going to Larkspur for the 4th weekend and then (gulp) Joel leaves Sunday. Joel and I taught hockey today and he jumped after on his figure skates. We got everyone's skates sharpened today. Grama Farris is sick and in the hospital, but your dad says she will be okay. She had the flu. I love you and love getting your letters! Love, Mommy

 This email was sent to Annabelle Farris by Jo Ann Farris on07/04/2015.

Dear Annabelle:
We had a nice 4th! Joel is leaving tomorrow very early though. We will miss him so much. Paul and Judy spent most of the day with us in Larkspur. We put together an informal meal. Rebekah says you must of had ice cream for breakfast! Duchess got to go on a bunch of scooter and bike rides. She looks so cute! Rebekah is sleeping on the couch now. We have to take Joel to the DIA airport at 4:15 am! Yikes. I don't know if we can buy a new house, but fixing our existing house up is a start. Did I tell you we are getting a new floor downstairs? Love, Mommy

 This email was sent to Annabelle Farris by Jo Ann Farris on07/07/2015.

Dear Annabelle:
The new floor is getting put in the basement today. They will finish tomorrow. There is a new floor in Joel's bathroom and I'm going to see if they can do your bathroom too. I straightened up the dining room and kitchen while they worked on it today. The American Girl dolls and stuff from my bedroom are in Larkspur now. I haven't figured out what to do with the dollhouses yet. I realize when we take Rebekah to camp that you will be on Masa. Which one are you going on? Joel called and he misses us. He didn't sleep last night though and was in a bad mood. Rebekah is doing a job at the Conservatory this week. She is working long hours! Miss you so much! Love, Mommy

 This email was sent to Annabelle Farris by Jo Ann Farris on07/09/2015.

Dear Annabelle:
Guess what? We are getting laminate wood floors in the the kitchen and living room and dining room! I have moved some of the stuff in those rooms temporarily to your room and locked the door. We had to move a lot of stuff so they can put in the floor. It is piled up to the ceiling! I hope I can get it all out before you come home. We also got new floors in the downstairs bathroom and your bathroom. He may put in a new counter since the countertop looks weird with the new floor. The floor looks like tile! There is a wood floor in the basement now. There was a flash flood tonight and it didn't get into the house! I'm so glad about that. Dad went outside to check in the pouring rain and got soaked. I straightened up Rebekah's room (sort of). The carpet may go in there after you get home. I even sort of made a bed for her by putting comforters on the mattress. By the way, Isabella called and she said she is sorry but she can't come to your birthday party since she'll be out of town until early August or something. Also, Kristen wanted you to take care of Sasha for 4 days next week, but since you are not here, I told her I would do it. I love you so much! Duchess is sleeping under my feet right now. She misses you too. I don't miss going to the rink at all... Hugs and kisses, Mommy

 This email was sent to Annabelle Farris by Jo Ann Farris on07/12/2015.

Dear Annabelle:
Rebekah leaves for camp on Wednesday so you will see her soon! We keep working on the house. Your Daddy painted all the baseboards yesterday and I threw tons of stuff away. I am so tired! We have been watching the Hoarders TV show. Today we went to Larkspur. See you in a little over a week. Love, Mommy

 This email was sent to Annabelle Farris by Dan Farris on07/12/2015.

Dear Annabelle,
I don't know if Mama mentioned, but we have been stupendously busy moving stuff around preparing for the new floor for our house. I intend to send another letter but I wanted you to know our neglect was unintentional. I know you don't want your camp experience to end so quickly, but truly I look forward to your return home. Lilly really misses you. Love, Daddy

This email was sent to Annabelle Farris by Jo Ann Farris on07/16/2015.

Dear Annabelle:
Your room is back to the way you left it. All the stuff I put in it while they put in the new floor is out in the living room again. I have to figure out where to put all this stuff! Today Leah came and she helped me get all the stuff out of Rebekah's room and we cleared out the storeroom and got a new shelf in there and the shelf in the dining room is in there now. Anyway....I will be there to pick you up on Monday before around 11 am. I hope I am not the last parent there! I heard you went on the farming Masa. You'll have to tell me all about it! Love, Mommy

This email was sent to Annabelle Farris by Jo Ann Farris on07/19/2015.

Dear Annabelle:
I don't know if you'll get this before you leave tomorrow morning, but I'll write it anyway. I'm in Larkspur with Grandpa and we'll pick you up tomorrow at 11 or a little after and then we'll go to the Bagel Deli or the other deli nearby. Then we'll go to Larkspur and you can wash your clothes there. Did you know Savannah no longer lives near us? Their house says "For Rent." I walked Sasha three or four times with the bike thing...both Sasha and Duchess! I did it with the scooter too! I made vegan burritos tonight and Grandpa loved it! Btw...the house is SO EMPTY! And...your room is untouched... See you soon! Love, Mommy

Cute Photo!

This is such a cute photo! It's my sister Lynnellen's kids about 17 years ago I think...Cody, Cori, and Drew....

Cody is now the father of 4 kids and works all the time Cori is about to begin her junior year at college Drew has his own Gondolier business in Lake Tahoe..

By the way, my dad still owns that jeep in the background and it needs a new engine...

Our Blue House Is a Very, Very Fine House!

Our blue house is a very fine house....got this off of Google maps....we bought this house 20 years ago..paid off 5 years ago!

Fathers Day 2015

My three kids were together on Fathers Day 2015. We took a family bike ride through the trails at Monument Valley Park and Creek and went to Colorado College to ride and also went to Downtown Colorado Springs on our bikes.

The 5th bike was folded and in the trunk!

Colorado Springs Conservatory Senior Recital - 6-25-15

Rebekah was AMAZING at the Senior Recital for the Colorado Springs Conservatory which took place on Thursday, June 25, 2015!

She sang a really funny song called "I Could Be Jewish For You" and also did a duet where she sang "Fly Me to the Moon" and a trio of "Anything Your Can Do, I Can Do Better."

At the end of the recital, all the seniors and alumni came on stage together and sang "Seasons of Love" from RENT which is a Conservatory tradition.

I cried of course.

Enjoy the video playlist below!

A Parent's Review of Working - A Musical Put On By the Colorado Springs Conservatory June 18 through June 20, 2015

Each year, in June, the Colorado Springs Conservatory has put on a wonderful musical production.  I have said in the past that their musicals were almost as good as Broadway shows, and I've looked so forward to attending the Conservatory's productions.   

Last year, my son, Joel, was in the ensemble in the Conservatory's musical Oklahoma, and in 2012, all three of my kids were in the ensemble for the Conservatory's production of Fiddler on the Roof.  

My daughter, Rebekah, has been part of the senior company at the Conservatory this past school year. The senior company's students are expected to take part in the annual June production.  Rebekah had a wonderful role in Pirates of Penzance earlier in the school year, and she's also been in recitals and even performed for the Colorado Springs mayor in her year with the Conservatory.  I've been so proud of my daughter.   

After Rebekah auditioned for the Conservatory's summer production, I was very excited to hear that Rebekah would be in a musical play which would show off her year in the Conservatory's senior company.  I looked so forward to seeing my daughter perform.

What I did not know was that Working: A Musical is for mature audiences, and I'm not sure if I had known in advance that so much foul language would be used, would I have approved of her participation in this particular musical.  I do not believe approving the use of foul language, especially for young people, should be encouraged at all.

I guess I am not sure I approve of the Conservatory's choice or wisdom in putting on such a musical that included explicit content.

I am so proud of Rebekah (she did an amazing performance today), but must state that I am also disappointed and embarrassed that my daughter was given a role of a prostitute in a musical that was put on by a school of performing arts that advertises that its programs are for teens and children. 

(It should be noted that I was not prepared or told in advance that Rebekah would be performing that role.   I admit that it was uncomfortable for me and my family, and the friends we invited to see the production, to see Rebekah in that particular scene.  We were caught off-guard.)  

What Rebekah was wearing, her costume for that "call-girl" scene, was not "appropriate" and really upset me.  Why would the Conservatory encourage or endorse such a costume for a young woman of Rebekah's age?  This was not a paid job.  I really am upset that my child was asked to dress like a prostitute! 

It is my opinion that the prostitute-call girl role should have been taken out of this local production, and also the foul language throughout this production of the Working musical play should have been also removed from the script.        

On a positive note, what the kids in the Working production did today was excellent. The cast sang, danced, and acted.  They were all amazing and so very professional! 

Rebekah seemed to sing or act or dance and be in almost every scene, and also sang in a duet about the life of a caregiver to a child in addition to the call girl role that was in a scene earlier in the play.  When the musical ended and as the kids performed in the final number, I was in tears since the facts that were shared about life and working were and are so true.    

Also, the musical ended with a great message.  That message is that every job is important and each person's contribution to this world makes a difference.

My Three Kids Annabelle, Rebekah, and Joel Smile Together After Rebekah Performs In Working: A Musical 6-20-15

Brown Bear What Do You See? I See Jo Ann and Her Dog Looking at Me! YIKES!

Oh! I forgot to share the story of what happened before the flood the night of 6-15-15...

We were celebrating Joel's homecoming at our family's vacation home in Colorado, and after dinner, I decided to take a mountain dog scooter ride with our dog Duchess.

Anyway...as I was getting near the house and about to enter the garage, a brown bear and her cub greeted me and the dog...."OMG!"

These words came to mind:

"Brown Bear, Brown Bear, what do you see?
I see Jo Ann and her dog looking at me!"

"Jo Ann, Jo Ann, what do you see?
I see a brown bear about to go for me..."

I promptly scootered away to another entry door of the house and began pounding a locked door trying to alert the family to save me and Duchess....we are still here and not eaten by bears, so they did finally come to the rescue....

June 15, 2015 - Flash Flood!

Last night there was this horrible flash flood in Colorado Springs. Our entire family was on the road in three different cars in the worst of it.

Annabelle was holding our dog tightly and was helping me navigate and tried to keep me calm. I could barely see the road on the I-25 highway. Water was everywhere and cars were going out of control.

I got off at Circle, but cars were stalled in water all the way home. I couldn't recognize the streets.

I stopped at the Target parking lot for about an hour hoping the rain would cease, but the rain just kept coming down and down. I wondered if Noah and an ark was built somewhere nearby.... 

Joel and Dan made it home before us. Dan warned me in advance on how to drive past cars that were stuck in water. 

When Annabelle and I and our dog finally got to the house, Rebekah called and told Dan she was trying to get home from the South Academy freeway exit. We were so worried! When she finally did enter the house, she told me that cars were stuck everywhere and some were stuck in water and as she drove she felt like it was the "end of the world," but she was determined to make it home. 

A few minutes after she arrived, the power went out in our house. We lit candles and flashlights and the kids played a board game and cuddled with our dog and finally went to sleep. Joel said his first day home in Colorado was certainly not ordinary. Dan and I went to bed around midnight I think. 

This morning, the sun is shining, but we will never forget the night of June 15, 2015.

Joel Made It Through the Rain!

My son, Joel did it! He came home today to beautiful Colorado, June 15, 2015 for a 3 week break after his first year touring with Disney On Ice: Frozen...he tells me he has skated and performed in 443 ice shows since he left home on July 21, 2014. The Frozen show was and is so popular that he and the cast and crew worked so hard and traveled and traveled and skated and skated and made thousands of people happy! The west coast Frozen tour is next. He returns to work on July 5. 

Our whole family is so proud of you Joel! "You made it through the rain!"

There's No Place Like Home!

This past year has included much traveling for me and some of the other members of my family, but there really is NO PLACE LIKE HOME.....especially when Colorado and Shangra La have so much in common!

My Sister's Dog Is Named Doggie and Is SO CUTE!

This is a photo of my sister's dog. Her name is Doggie and she is so cute. She's blind and deaf and really old...