Tuesday, November 25, 2008

"Zu Zu's Petals", Home School Open House, Award & Giveaway

For my next post, I have been searching earnestly for a picture I wanted to share, and then I remembered it was the Tuesday for Tammy's Home School Open House (okay,really Tammy reminded me).....so I thought I would combine the two today, along with an award and giveaway too. (I hope you don't mind, Tammy...but being the old movie lover that you are, I figured I'd be okay putting this on here today)! And if you came just for the Home School Open House....just scroll on down until you see the button and that's where that part begins!

First of all, about Zu Zu. Do you recognize the name?



If you guessed, It's a Wonderful Life....you're right! Zu Zu was George Bailey's daughter...the little girl that caught a cold and was upstairs in bed sick. Remember him sitting on the side of the bed as she showed him her broken rose petals? Her daddy "fixed" it for her (by putting the broken one in his pocket and handing her back a perfect rose)! I always loved that because isn't that what all little girls (and big ones too) think about their daddies...they can fix anything and make it better?

It's a Wonderful Life is a favorite Christmas movie at our house. It's not a question of IF we watch it during the Christmas season, it's how many times. If you're a fan, you probably know the lines...."Hee Haw", "Hot Dog", "Teacher says, every time a bells rings an angel gets its wings"......And I could go on!

Well around Christmas of 1997, we found out that Karolyn Grimes, who played Zu Zu was going to be visiting our local library and signing autographs. Colt and I stood in line (before a ball game) to meet her. Colt was 8 years old at the time (and Joy hadn't come along yet). He took her a vase of pink roses "to replace the broken petals". She loved it! She was super nice! Here she is with Colt.



Notice the "Z" pin on her suit? Would you believe I've never noticed that EVER before today, and Joy pointed it out to me right when she looked at it. She said, "Look she has a Z on her for Zu Zu." How could I have missed that?

She signed our copy of It's a Wonderful Life.



We bought this ornament (that I absolutely love and treasure) and she signed the back of it too. It always gets a place of honor on our tree and I make sure it's wound tight around the branch.....because my heart would break if it fell off and broke!



This particular picture on the ornament is a shot of her when her daddy (George Bailey) is holding her at the end as all his friends, relatives and neighbors pour in to help George out!

Here's the back:



I love what she wrote! Life is wonderful!

If you've never seen the movies, you're really missing out....it's a favorite here! And speaking of favorites, on another day, I will share my very favorite Christmas movies and I'm also going to ask all my family for THEIR favorites and I'll share that too!



Now on to the Home School Open House sponsored by Tammy of Lattes and Lollypops. Again this time, I don't have a big project to show you...but as usual we have been reading....lots of reading. This particular book has been our read-aloud (from Sonlight) for the past couple of weeks and we sure have loved it....it's probably been our favorite actually so far this year (Joy's and mine).




The name of it is The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare. I remember reading this with Colt when he was younger. It's a wonderful story set in the Colonial Days in the colony of Connecticut during the times when the Puritans would "accuse" people of being witches. It's much more than that though....it has history & courtship weaved throughout too. It also brought the opportunity for Joy and I to discuss what gossip and judging people can do. We also discussed desirable character, how to be a true friend and what to look for in a mate. It's hard to believe one little book could pack that much punch to discuss, but it did......and we loved it! Don't let the title fool you either.....it's a GREAT book to share with your family (or read alone).

And speaking of character, here's a book that Joy and I just started reading together and discussing. This an old book republished...it's been around a long time.



The back says, "What can be more beautiful than the budding and blossoming of girlhood? Those years of transition from childhood to womanhood are filled with wonderful interest and promise. But the young feet that travel this way may be unsteady and unsure. Each could use guidance, a helping hand along the way. To encourage our girls to a nobler life and truer ideals is the task of this book."

And since all that I've shared is reading...here's a picture of Joy doing an experiment she did at home and showed at recitation last Tuesday. Since we are studying astronomy (God's Design Series), we discussed the laws of thermodynamics as an introduction to earth science. This experiment showed the 2nd law of thermodynamics.....that all objects tend to go to a state of rest. (or slow down because it loses energy).



We tied a string around a tennis ball and taped it to the top of a doorway. She stood back the length of the string...holding it to her nose and let it go. By just releasing and not giving it any motion, it just swings out and back without touching her, because it's losing energy as it swings through the air.

On to the last couple of things for today...Here's an award given to me from my bloggin' buddy over at Cat Nap Inn! Thank you so much! I've met so many wonderful bloggers and enjoy so many blogs that I don't want to have to choose, so I pass this award along to ALL my blog readers!


And last of all, if you love Christmas and love to read, you'll love Trudy's giveaway. Click over and pick out your favorite Christmas book she has and if she draws your name out, you'll win your favorite book!



Thanks so much for stopping by today and for the kind comments! I enjoy them all so much and I enjoy visiting your blogs too! I don't get to do so everyday, but I try as often as I can, and I usually catch up a few days a week.

I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving week too! Check back for more Christmas decor pictures!

Blessings,
Tammy

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

WOW! I love it's a Wonderful Life it's one of my favorites. Funny thing is Sunday our preacher was talking about ZuZu and her broken petals. Twice in one week that must mean I need to watch the movie. :)

I can't wait to see more Christmas pictures. I log on every morning hoping for one more glimpse of your home. It's like waiting to open a present. I am slowly starting to decorate. Thanks again for sharing with us your home and family.

Donna

Kindra-At Home With K said...

How wonderful to meet Zu Zu in real life! My husband loves the show. I personally never saw the whole movie before. Maybe bits and pieces if it's been on t.v. or something. We just have 3 channels now but I will make it a point to watch the full movie if it's on. :)

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Tammy, you remind me so much of my god-daughter, Cathy. She's creative like you--and she homeschools. I will give her the link to your blog. She and hubby just moved form CA to VA.

"It's a Wonderful Life" should be EVERYONE's favorite Christmas movie!!! That was neat that you met ZuZu... Wow!!!!

Birgit said...

Hi Tammy,
How exciting that you and Colt got to meet ZuZu in real life. That's one of my all time favorites as far as Christmas movies go.
Your sun porch looks wonderful! We'll be decorating this Friday since I'm not a black Friday shopper... I'm a black Friday decorator. :)
Hugs & blessings to you~ Birgit

CozyGirl said...

Congratulations on your award ! You have a wonderful blog ! I really enjoy reading your posts. :-) I'm looking forward to more Christmas pictures ! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Make sure to pop over and enter my giveaway if you get the chance !
Janae

Shelley said...

I love that you met ZuZu and have that sweet ornament! It's a Wonderful Life is one of my all time favorite movies. I'm going to feature it in one of my Dec. giveaways.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

•♦•©The Olde Weeping Cedar •♦• said...

WOW- I Love that movie...we watch it every year...
that's is so cool that ya met ZuZu!
What memories to cherish, along with your signed book and ornament!

Have a wonderful day!

hugs-Kath

~Beth~ said...

How exciting to have met ZuZu! We love that movie, too. What a wonderful treasure you have for your tree and a story to tell gerations to come! ~Beth~

Tammy said...

Tammy, again- thank you so much for participating in the Open House!

The one book, Beautiful Girlhood, I've seen on the internet and have wanted to purchase that soon, too... I love the idea of instilling old fashioned virtues into our girls- to embrace their girlhood without being immodest or losing their sense of innocence and I pray our daughters are able to do that as they enter their teens.

I also just love the photo of Joy doing the science experiment! :)

OK...you already know me well...I could never mind that combined a post about meeting ZUZU! It's a Wonderful Life is my all-time favorite movie too!!!
I have a few ornaments and even the lighted village!
In fact, a few years ago, I belonged to the movie's online fan club!
How exciting that you and Colt got to meet "Zuzu" in person!!! Wow!

Thanks again for participating, Tammy!!!
Hugs,
"Other" Tammy

Back in the Day said...

What a great memory of meeting Zu Zu! The ornaments are lovely and I know are very precious to you! I didn't notice the Z pin either! We have to be more observant!

groovyoldlady said...

It's a Wonderful Life is my absolute favorite Christmas movie. I have a nasty cold in my head right now...therefore I hearby declare this evening "It's a Wonderful Life" night!

Both the HS books sound intriguing. I'll have to look them up! I'll look forward to hearing more about your homeschool adventures!

retha said...

I will have to try and see this movie.
You child is either very trusting or have done a bit of theory before the experiment. I do not think I would have stood still waiting for a tennis ball to swing close to my nose at that age.

Sue said...

How neat is it that you met ZuZu in real life...makes watching the movie even better! I mailed your package but found the card on my desk. Oh, well. You won the prize--not a Christmas card, but just wanted you to know that your package is on the way.

Karen said...

How exciting to meet "ZuZu" in person! What a special memory for you and Colt! I love "It's a Wonderful Life"...and I can't wait to watch it again.

My daughter and I read "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" together last year, and we both enjoyed it so much!

Oh, and congratulations on your award! :-)

Happy Thanksgiving,
Karen

Cottage Rose said...

Hey Tammy; Thank you for the visit and sweet comment. How exciting that you had a chance to meet ZuZu, I so love that movie, we have the dvd of it and watch it every Christmas. She looks so great. Have a Happy Thanksgiving...

Hugs;
Alaura

Ps. I love you Christmas decorating, your sun porch is so pretty and cozy.

the said...

That movie is my Favorite. That is so cool that he got to meet her! She steals the show, well, Clarence does too! In fact, after watching that show I cant get the song " Buffalo girls wont you come out tonight" out of my head. Im singing it now!!!
I cant wait to see more pics of your Christmas home :)
Happy Thanksgiving to you!!

Anonymous said...

Tammy,
WOW! I enjoyed your post today...Wonderful Life is my family favorite....That's an honor to meet ZU ZU...WOW....Beautiful ornaments..I haven't heard of the book of girlhood..That is interesting and great to have the book to read with your girl. May the Lord bless you and your family at Thanksgiving. Have a Happy Thanksgiving...Katherinllen

Colleen/And Baby Makes Five said...

What a fabulous family story, Tammy! And "It's a Wonderful Life" is a must see every year, isn't it?

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, my friend. And then the Christmas Season can begin with all of its sweet traditions to enjoy along the way...

Anonymous said...

"Zu Zu" seems to have matured into a truly lovely woman. The roses your son took to her were just the sweetest idea! :o)

Thanks for the book review. Sweetums and I haven't read these yet. She's working on the Main Street series by Ann M. Martin at present.

Happy Homeschooling! :o)

•♦•©The Olde Weeping Cedar •♦• said...

Hi Tammy-
Just wanted to wish you and your family a very Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving.......

hugs-Kath

Mandy said...

It's a Wonderful Life is a tradition in our house! I love your ornament - what a treasure!

Oh, and don't feel bad about "only" talking about reading for the homeschool open house. What better way to learn? People don't read enough now days. Have a a great Thanksgiving!

Mandy

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

Hi Tammy - thanks for stopping by!
Many blessings to you and yours this Thanksgiving!

Paula said...

I love all the Christmas movies, Tammy, but "It's a wonderful life" is one of my favorites.
I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Paula said...

I love all the Christmas movies, Tammy, but "It's a wonderful life" is one of my favorites.
I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

carolyn@simple~primitive~devotion said...

What a nice post! So great that you have things from the actress in your favorite movie! I wish MY name started with a K like her's. How neat!

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Luke Holzmann said...

So glad to hear that you loved "Witch of Blackbird Pond" [smile]. Great book!

~Luke

Farmhouse Blessings said...

You met ZuZu? How exciting! Its a Wonderful Life is my very favorite Christmas movie of all. I've been watching it (really listening to it) over and over while I do my Christmas sewing. And I always cry!

Smiles,
Lea