Special thanks to all who’ve stuck around or may pop by my page now and again! I’ve had a lot of changes occur in my personal life but I am ready to resume my progress on The Grove Legacy! This pack still holds my interest and I hope it does for you as well! The story is also veering into dramatic territory, which wasn’t my intention but I’m curious to see where it goes…
Something else I’ve been considering is this: The gallery is filled with wonderful sim’s creations, but I wish people utilized the description box to give their households more of a background story. I’m not sure if this has been done, but making sims for the sole purpose of giving them a basic story and uploading them to the gallery. Maybe with #Simtales or #StoriedSims. I’ve gotten better at incorporating simmers’ builds into my Sim’s Worlds…
I’ve also discontinued “The Ilianath Saga.” It became kind of stale for me. The Llamas and Legacy challenge is fantastic-don’t get me wrong- but I have limited focus for writing and I’ve put the most work into my pack legacy. Go check out Rishella’s (Llamas and Legacies creator) let’s play!
If anyone has suggestions on how you all keep your stories interesting I’d love to hear them! I’m thinking about having a fun, experimental sims file where I can tinker with no real consequences, in addition to my pack legacy. (Still fun but structured.)
This marks the official end of generation 1! Brooke Grove fulfilled every goal for Outdoor Retreat except completing the fish collection and the optional goal of building my own campsite or retreat. She met and married Sean Arcadia. They had 3 kids together: Harper, Fisher, and Hazel. They had many friends and mentors alike. The kids had a semi rustic and traditional upbringing; they all learned to incorporate the wonders of the outdoors in their own way as a result.
List of Generation 1 Objectives:
Complete Angling Ace Aspiration
Complete Outdoor Enthusiast Aspiration
Date a Sim with the Squeamish Trait
Take your Sim and Partner on A Holiday to Granite Falls
Max Out Herbalism Skill
Complete Insects Collection
Enter Secret Lot in Granite Falls
Befriend Hermit (x2)
Optional Goals:
Go on 2 Holidays: One to Camp and One in a Lodge
Build Your Own Campsite or Lodge just Using Base Game and Outdoor Retreat.
I follow the guidelines on rosannatxt’s site. I will deviate from them time to time though. For example, the rules state that you must complete the main goals before moving on to the next generation. I’ve chosen to try to complete them all but feel it’s more accurate to have unrealized dreams too. Brooke couldn’t catch all the fish and Sean didn’t get to the top of his career or complete any of his collections.
Hello there! I’m Harper Grove and I’m going to try to continue Brooke’s legacy the best I can.. There’s a lot that has transpired since and before Brooke’s last entry… I’ve debated back and forth about whether to even continue these blogs, since they’ve caused a lot of pain. Turns out, my father DID publish those scathing articles about Jamal Parikh-and his family fought back by suing my parents. We’re OK but it’s been hard to say the least… I still care about Jamal though.
One thing I’ve noticed is our current fears. Mom, Fisher, and Me have none but Dad has a Fear of Crowded Places, Fear of Death, and Fear of Fire. Whereas, Hazel has a Fear of Fire and Fear of the Dark. I’ve been sticking with my wellness practices to prevent such things.
What Brooke left out was my bitter rivalry I have with my sister… Mother always wanted us to be a perfect family and was in heavy denial about the actual state of reality. Hazel is jealous that I’m with Jamal and not her. (They’re both Bookworms.) She has Garrison though and needs to back off! She also just generally hates me, so there’s that…
Our parents had dragged us to Granite Falls one last time as a family. At this point: Fisher, Hazel, and Myself were teenagers. It was more or less a last ditch effort suggested by our family therapist to fix our broken family. I’ve been dating different boys. Hazel crossed the line by calling me a “slut”, so I threw my juice in her face. Dad likes to turn a blind eye and Fisher is more standoffish.
Fisher clearly has always been and will always be Brooke’s favorite child. I used to have that dubious honor until I aged into a teen. Ever since she’s treated me coldly and with little regard. I fell from grace and could not do anything right…
Here’s proof of Dad ignoring our fights. They were/are real knock-down-drag-out fights. Brooke’s the only one who intervened when she caught us.
This was our first full-blown fight and Brooke eventually did split us up. She was working on her precious fish collection-completing her fish collection was the last item to check off her bucket list. It’s clearly all she really cared about. I love Dad dearly, but he was becoming more and more of a passive recluse the older he was.
I’d won the first fight at the campsite, but she immediately jumped me in our front yard and “won” that fight. She sure fights dirty. I often wish she wasn’t born… She’s an instigator and an all around horrible person! (Go ahead! Do something about it, sis!)
She had her first kiss with Garrison in our backyard by the pool. Dad was furious that it was with another Parikh boy. Brooke persuaded him to let it go. Honestly, they’re not bad people. Jamal’s the only date of mine Dad knows about and he’s developed an extreme bias of them based on the one time Jamal yelled at me in front of Brooke.
Ahh finally! My Young Adult Morph Day happened and I was ecstatic! Things were sort of returning to normal. Most of my family, including myself, discovered that we love New Age music. Dad was promoted to Editor-in-Chief (9)! I received the “Ambitious” trait upon aging up. Perfectionist, High Maintenance, and Ambitious… No wonder I’m the way I am… An absolute Delight!
Day 87: Dad died at my Young Adult Morph Day! Nothing’s been the same for me since the Grim Reaper scythed his soul away! My heart stopped and time stood still. Just about everyone I knew witnessed it. Hazel, however, deigned to stay inside. Coward! He was so close to completing his career too!
At this point, I did not hate my mother. In fact, I invited her to Zen Hill’s meditation area. Naturally, I led the guided meditation group as I’ve become proficient in all the wellness skills available.
Before I went into Business, I was an apprentice masseuse. The Goths were regulars (Cassandra is the guest on the left.) These were charmed times. Brooke doesn’t really understand the appeal of coming here but made a half-hearted effort that one day anyway I suppose…
My new friend is Elvis Qualls. At first, we didn’t really see eye to eye, but he’s been my trusted mentor and confidant now more than ever!
We decided to have Dad buried in our backyard. (Hazel was outvoted.) He is a wonderful man and I refuse to believe he’s gone… I could always turn to him for anything and he never once belittled or doubted me. . I love you forever, Daddy!
Jamal and Me went on our first real date in awhile. With all the craziness surrounding my Dad’s death, I insisted on recovering. He really is a sweetheart!
Liam’s wonderful also. I feel like I can confide in him better than I can with Jamal. I’m just trying to figure things out right now.
I’ve also kind of been seeing Guillermo Brown. Liam is the fourth born of the Goths, so is Jamal. Guillermo’s the eldest out of his siblings. Not sure Dad would approve- but It’s my life!
Maddox Spencer-Kim-Lewis is alright… he’s definitely not in the running though…
Oh! Brooke also forgot to mention that she was eaten by Chompy! Hehe classic! She would not stop complaining about it for days after the fact! And she has the audacity to call ME “difficult”!
Of course, she couldn’t stay mad at them. I can’t recall which emotional essences both she and Sade produced after they were consumed…
Ha! Busted! Brooke and Dad’s perfect angel woohooed in the family tent with Garrison right in front of me! Our parents do have a firm rule in place about no woohoo occuring on the lot before marriage. (Of course, I know Brooke is a hypocrite!) Needless to say, I told Mom and she did nothing! Ugh, she’s getting too soft in her old age..
Bella is my hero. Everything she does is inspiring! She gives back to the community and is raising 6 kids! Her style is flawless… To put it simply: I want to be Bella Goth when I grow up! Why couldn’t she be my mother?! She and Brooke were practically best friends for many years.
Fisher is the eldest of the twins. Fisher’s traits are: Genius, Practice Makes Perfect, and Loves the Outdoors. I’m so proud of him! I’d go as far as to say I’ve raised him myself. As his best and favorite sister, I am well within my rights to express those sentiments! I want to use emojis but it is tacky and what Brooke does too much in her writing-There is no excuse for it!
Hazel became a YA and blah, blah, blah, she’s now a Bookworm, Squeamish, and Geek. Brooke was absolutely right about her being a phony. I mean look at her! Spoiled brat…
Unlike what my sister would have you to believe, Liam and Me were more responsible about woohoo than she was! Brooke made it very clear she no longer cares about the rules, so Liam and I shared a magical first woohoo together. (After sanitizing the entirety of the tent’s interior.)
Day 95: Brooke died in front of our home at 2 a.m. I’m at a loss for words… Didn’t get to say goodbye… I just don’t feel her loss nearly as much as my Dad’s. I always thought this would hit harder… R.I.P Brooke. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to call you “Mom” again, but you’ve taught me a lot.
That wraps up this chapter. Thank you for tuning in and as always, Happy Simming!
Welcome back! Things have been chugging along well for the most part since my last entry…(Warning: Story gets a bit dark.)
I’ve been teaching my little boy to fish. He takes to it easily enough, but I sense that his heart’s not in it… At least Harper still loves it! Either way, he has a skill he can use for life now! I hope he never loses his sense of wonder about the world…
Sean and Me aren’t handy-neither is poor Harper! (Day 64). The kitchen sink sprayed on her and she was “hopping-mad” for the rest of the day! Her moods are really grating on her Dad and me… Fisher and Hazel tend to avoid her these days…
She’s really taking to the Zen Hill Spa though! As per her request, I remind her to breathe occasionally. (That place is worth every penny!) Harper’s even got a part time there!
It’s time for Sean to become an old man! (I’m not too far behind but I still tease him :P) He really wanted a hamburger cake. Not to brag, but I’ve finally got a knack for cooking-so why not? There was quite the turn out for his Morph Day. I must admit… I don’t know everyone here. I think the two teens in the hall are Harper’s friends Sade and the Pancakes’ kid… Rupert? Randall? They have so many now. (Sorry, not sorry Eliza :P)
Still, I must cherish these moments while my youngest two are still children after all… Can’t press pause. Hehe Sean makes the best sea monster!
Harper told Sean that she had her first kiss with Jamal Parikh. (I can’t believe she didn’t come to me about it!) I probably only know about it because Sean’s been griping to me about it nonstop. He also started writing scathing articles about Jamal’s character-which I prevented from ever seeing the light of day. 0.o We had a “hearty” argument about that… Anyway, I’m accepting of it for now.
Hazel tells me that she saw Harper cloud gazing with Liam Goth right after her date with Jamal… Hazel and Me had a conversation about respecting boundaries and privacy, yet I really feel out of the loop with Harper these days… I hope she’s not playing with these poor boys’ hearts. But cloud gazing could be harmless right?
I am pleased to learn that Harper made a friend with Gina Brown. I like the Brown’s- even though I don’t know them that well. I really should get out more…
Day 72: It’s the day I’ve been dreading-my little boy is closer to becoming a man! I know I haven’t been following the Twins’ stories as closely, but I will! Fisher managed to complete his Whiz Kid Aspiration with flying colors. He aged into a teen Computer Whiz with the Practice Makes Perfect trait! (He’s already a genius to boot! Something he never lets us forget! :P) Watcher help me-the dreaded 3 teenagers curse! D:
Confession time: I might’ve forgotten Hazel’s Morphing Day pic, but it definitely happened and she’s lovely! :’D Her aspiration is Fabulously Wealthy and she now has the Squeamish trait-like Sean… She’s still a Bookworm too. It kind of breaks my heart that she’s hiding her nerdiness and already outwardly cares more about fashion and other superficial things… I’ll just have to trust she’ll find her way back to herself someday I suppose…
One particularly vivid memory I have of the Twins’ Morph Day Party is witnessing Harper blatantly flirting with Maddox in front of Jamal! I’m definitely going to have to have a talk with her! However, Jamal just started screaming at her-which, I immediately put a stop to. What a mess!
Things eventually calmed down in the coming days… Sean’s giving me the “I told you so’s” but at the end of the day it’s still our daughter’s decision and she cares about Jamal and claims the flirting was an accident. ::eyeroll:: I thought she was going to be my easiest child but I couldn’t have been more wrong! I’m partially still worked up about the whole affair myself… ::Breathes!::
So Chompy’s first delicacy was Sade Faulkner-Harper’s friend since childhood. This has proven to be the best case scenario: Sade and her family are disconcertingly OK with it so far… (Her family told her that’s what she gets for falling for the cake.) I feel really guilty about it though… I mean-not guilty enough not to post about it but still… They didn’t want to keep the resulting emotion essence. For the first time ever I couldn’t stomach it. We should get rid of her but I can’t! She’s too much a part of this family! We’ll just have to keep closer guard of her.
Now here’s a welcome distraction: All of our kids doing homework together! <3 ::sigh::, I know I don’t say it enough but we are soooo proud of them all!
My heart plummeted down to my stomach when I saw Fisher tackling our flaming stove. We can’t argue with the results though! He LIKES handiness! Huzzah! No more unnecessary replacements! I hope he always helps us with our technology issues as well!
Even though Fisher doesn’t have a wide circle of friends, he’s generally well-liked by his peers. I hope it’s genuine though… He used to get teased something fierce as a kid for being a “brainiac.” (I still have NO IDEA where he gets it from!)
Hazel, on the other hand, struggles in the social department. Personally, I think she tries too hard… I also suspect her classmates might be a bit jealous of her. (I don’t miss those days at all!) My poor baby! She doesn’t have Harper’s petulant moods though, so she’ll be fine I hope…
Y’know I’m just gonna stay out of it this time… After all the drama and mess that Harper caused, she’s at it again! This time her victim is Liam. I feel like I’ve created a monster and there’s nothing I can do about it! Sean just thinks it’s “teens being teens”- but I care! Jamal’s already been kicking over our trashcan-it could get worse…
Day 77: It’s just one ******* thing after the other! Hazel was making a grilled cheese sandwich (of all things) and caught the house on fire! A new first happened: I was paralyzed in fear while hearing the piercing screams of my youngest going up in flames! What would MY parents think?! I’m also low-key disappointed that Fisher didn’t do anything (which is messed up, I know!) None of the other teens helped!
After what felt like an eternity, I leaped into action and put her out. I’m really struggling with who I am as a parent… Why did it take so long?! Why was Malik just standing there?! She’s now deathly afraid of the dark AND fire. D’: Sean was at work and Harper was at the Spa. This is all happening because I’m beyond selfish. I’d just topped my career at “Creator of Worlds.” (10) More like “Creator of Devastation!” This will be my last chapter entry…
Harper will be taking over from here-if she even wants to. Of course, I’ll continue to write the stories you all know and love but it may take some time… I hope it’s as cathartic for Harper as it was for me. I really do appreciate you all!
Alas! It’s my time to become an elder! I thoroughly enjoy embarrassing my teen daughters by wearing my swimsuit and dancing in front of all their friends! 3:D I’m doing OK. We’re all still shaken up from Hazel’s fire incident, but things are slowly coming around. Both of our daughters are in therapy now, but Fisher insists he doesn’t need it, so we’re letting him be.
I’m still the same feisty,sweet natured girl that Sean fell in love with-albeit, a bit more sour and kooky now maybe idk. Still real tempting to go hide in the woods away from it all! Both Sean and me have drastically reduced our workload and plan on retiring soon!
It’s been one heck of a ride, but I’m signing out! I love you all and take care!
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*Thanks for reading and stay tuned! This chapter got a bit dark and will likely continue that way off and on. In the next chapters I plan on addressing the repercussions of Brooke making her family’s business so public in her blogs.
Hi all and welcome back! Thank you so much for following my family and me on our journeys!
Harper’s become proficient in chess. Brandy’s an excellent teacher too! Come to think of it, Sean’s great at chess too. Me? Still not so much… >.>
Harper’s determined to win the chess championship at school, so she practices often. Hazel struggles with the flash cards more than Harper and Fisher had. Fisher’s actually better at them than Harper had been at his age.
Day 53: The big day has come! I ask Harper if she’d like to fish with me and she agrees! (Pictured above are the catfish and rainbow fish I’ve caught.)
I caught a tetra. I’d underestimated how hard it might be to teach fishing… After her initial struggles and complaints, Harper hunkered down and caught her first fish!
A bass! It was a whopper too! And if I wasn’t elated already, she told me that she likes fishing! I’m so proud! Even 1/3 kids wouldn’t be bad at all. :D I love my family! (I’d love them anyway, but I’m so excited!)
Harper’s trying to find common ground with her sister. They both enjoy playing with toys. I don’t let Harper on the computer unless absolutely necessary for school. The same rule will apply with my younger two as well. I’m really impressed with how rapidly Fisher is progressing in skill building! Harper’s bright but he’s definitely outpacing her from when she was a toddler!
Sean was starting to get a bit jealous for a change-plus he really just wanted to introduce the kids to his favorite hobbies-so he taught Harper how to mine rocks, which she also loves (but probably not as much as fishing hehe :P)
I really appreciate Harper’s love for Chompy! I don’t know how long a Cowplant’s lifespan is but I hope that someday she will take care of them and who knows-maybe Chompy will live on forever… Imagine that!
Day 56: Harper’s made fast friends with the Parikh twins: Jamal and Malik. From what I gather, Jamal has the Erratic trait while Malik is a Bookworm. (Guess which one I hope she becomes better friends with… >.> OK, maybe Jamal is harmless, but I’m keeping my eye on all her friends while I can.) My eldest is really embracing her social butterfly trait (like her Ma) and I’m also really proud of that! And she shares my love of storytelling-I should stop bragging now. xD Parenting is everything I hoped for and more!
Leanna Zavala came by and set our grill ablaze… ::sigh:: She’s been obsessively concocting De-stressor liniments and I don’t know what to do about it. Up until now, it was harmless. I’ll definitely have a talk with her about it. This time I put out the fire.
Sean and me caught up with Bella Goth. She and Morty have 5 kids! The Parikh’s have them beat by 1 with 6 kids! I don’t think we could handle that! 0.o Both families are very capable of raising them all though. My hat’s off to ya’ll if you’re reading this!
I met this man: Emit Relevart at the park ( I see what you did there!) He claims to be a time traveler… Ha! OK Buddy… I suppose I’ll humor him. He said he’d help me with my Sci-Fi writing and give Sean collectible milk cartons if we help him.
Harper is a voracious reader now! So glad! Sean and I still regularly read to all our kids. Ooo! I’ve also completed my Angling Ace Aspiration! (2nd one!) and I’ve already been promoted to Bestselling Author (9)! We’re so blessed!
Day 59: Fisher becomes a child with the Whiz Kid Aspiration and the Genius trait! We definitely suspected he was gifted, but now we have confirmation. As far as we know, neither Sean nor I have any geniuses in our families. What if he gets too smart for us someday? O.o Can’t think like that… We’ll do our best by him.
It’s Hazel’s turn to age up and this time I remembered the confetti! Hazel has a Rambunctious Scamp Aspiration and is a Bookworm! All my kids are amazing! Her aspiration definitely fits her because she was wild as a toddler! Now she can be more active AND a reader! :’D
It’s so satisfying to see Harper forming multiple friendships! (I was low-key worried my kids might become reclusive for some reason…) Here, she’s playing chess with classmate, Sade Faulkner.
Day 62: Sean was promoted to Front Page Writer (7) while I changed my 3rd Aspiration to Bestselling Author. Life is great!
My kids are constantly afraid of “a monster under the bed” now… Harper makes fun of her siblings as if she has NEVER been through that phase. :/ I quickly reminder her how she was and just sprayed the darned thing with “monster repellent.” I will set them straight but I do like to encourage play and the importance of having an active imagination.
Oh this is too priceless! I’m not sure which book Sean’s reading to them here, but I’ll cherish these memories forever! <3
It’s finally happened! My dream of my kids playing “pirates” on the play structure is happening! It’s so satisfying seeing this happen in reality! At first, Harper and Hazel argued who should steer and who should watch from the crow’s nest. (I decided to let them work it out amongst themselves unless they got too rowdy. Much to my delight, Fisher suggested that they flip a coin and Hazel won! :’D
Later that evening, the kids took turns telling ghost stories to each other just like I used to do as a kid. I hope this dynamic between them lasts forever! <3
Though it’s rough, Sean and I usually put aside some time to spend together. Cloud/stargazing is definitely a staple in this family. There’s something so grounding about watching the vast atmosphere. We do love the decreased light pollution here in Newcrest! We also are aware it won’t last long as we build our “little empire.” Jokes aside-it is open to all who wish to improve upon it and reside here.
My girls and me fishing! Hazel isn’t taking to it like Harper has, but I’m glad she’s sticking with us for the time being. I was doing my best to control my temper as that’s the second lake weed I’ve caught! I’d warned Harper that she might not want to fish in her nice dress, but she insisted… She’s getting to be a little more teenager-y lately…
Day 66: …which makes perfect sense as she became a teenager today! She specifically demanded *I mean* requested a strawberry cake. To my chagrin, she became a High Maintenance teen! However, she did choose the Inner Peace Aspiration to hopefully mitigate it. ::cries:: Well, buckle up Sean, we’re in for a rough few years at least! D:
Despite my ongoing fears, Harper is adapting wonderfully to the Wellness skill! Thanks to Sean’s networking resources, we’ve been able to influence the construction of a new Spa in town-Zen Hill (by Christelpellis).
Bella Goth is an inspiration to our Harper. Bella imparts all her knowledge about exercising and Harper gets the opportunity to talk about Wellness and the new spa. I kind of wish she’d talk more to me,her mother, but am glad she’s growing her support circle. Bella is a dear family friend and won’t steer her wrong.
Gonna end this part here. Thanks for stopping by and Happy Simming!
I’ve been chugging away at work while Sean gets most of the time with our baby… He’s been promoted to Advice Columnist recently (lv. 4) -Not sure if I’ve already mentioned that. All these deadlines! When’s my vacation?!
I even missed our little angel’s Morphing Day into an infant! Ugh! She’s still calm and has my skin and hair but her Daddy’s eyes. She’s a dream but I miss her…
As jealous as I am of their time together, I’m grateful Sean stepped up to bat and is taking excellent care of our Harper. I’m definitely going to make it up to both of them. They are my world after all!
Suddenly more work was dumped on Sean, so we decided to hire a nanny. I’ve heard horror stories of bad nannies, so was relieved that Brandy McCartney is basically our answered prayers! Without prompting, she takes excellent care of Harper. Dammit! I’m starting to feel envious of their relationship too… Oh! I’m pregnant again. This will definitely be our last baby though. While we’re making enough money to expand our home, we prefer the cosier cabin feel and we want our kids to grow up well and humble.
Here’s Harper with her favorite action hero toy. She can’t go anywhere without her “Mystic Man” or monster toys. :D
On day 43, both Sean and Me were promoted! Him to “Regular Contributer (5)” and Me to “Fan Favorite” (8). All that hard work’s finally paying off!
Sean even seems to fair better with Harper during feeding time…
I’m too pregnant for this! I end up just letting Sean take over because clearly he’s the better parent or something! I feel like I’m at my wit’s end! Maybe Sean and Nanny Brandy should raise all our kids and I’ll go be the new “Hermit of the Deep Woods.” I’m not gonna lie, I fantasize about that A LOT! But I’d NEVER give up on my kids and love them to pieces! What’s happening to me…
Day 45: Sean’s been interviewing people for his articles. Why did Alice Spencer-Kim have to be present while I’m giving birth?! I didn’t really mind having my friends around for my first birth but not this “put-together” acquaintance of mine. I also kind of hate the way Sean and her gaze at each other…
Twins Fisher and Hazel were born at 11:01 p.m.! Turns out that elixir just kicked in later maybe… Oh well, I love my nooboos so much! I’m also glad I got a boy this time. So many babies now! We’ll manage, I just feel so on edge!
Don’t get me wrong, I love all my kids equally, but Fisher and I are definitely more compatible in demeanor, I think. Definitely a chip off the old block for sure! :’D (Watcher help me when they all become teens!)
Day 47: It’s Harper’s Morph Day and she loves her chocolate cake! As far as I know she hasn’t had any yet but it eager to try it… It’s evident she’s become quite the Charmer. She’s very prosocial-always wants to help and is adorable as ever. How’d we get so lucky? :3
One thing I refuse to renege on is bedtime stories with Harper. I’ve been reading to her since she was in utero. It’s the best! She’s so inquisitive too! We especially love hearing my stories-the perks of being an author I suppose!
Later that night both Fisher and Hazel Morphed! I just adore their sparkly little clouds that they transition on! I really wish we knew a painter who could’ve captured this perfect moment in time, but at least I snapped a pic. Fisher’s Calm just like his big Sis.
Hazel, on the other hand, is Intense! This girl cries and cries! I don’t know how this happened… I hope it’s not our fault! Well, I love her regardless and just apply extra care with her. Both Fisher and she need glasses like their Dad. Fisher has my skin-tone, hair, and bright green eyes! Hazel has her Father’s blond hair, skin tone, and my green eyes. Genetics are amazing! All three of our kids are wonderful!
Sean was promoted to Journalist (6) on Day 48.
Harper and Fisher get along very well! (I wanted a nice candid photo, so I took this one from outside.)
Hazel prefers to play by herself. I was worried about that tendency at first until I learned it’s age appropriate and works well with her personality.
As the days go by, Sean and Me are getting the hang of raising 3 babies! Thankfully, the Twins are much easier to feed generally than Harper was.
I even got to visit Leanne (we’re now good friends) and get some fishing in! I can’t wait to teach all my babies how to fish! Oh no, what if they all hate fishing??? D: Surely Fisher will love fishing… Well, it’s fine all the same. I still hope that at least one of them enjoy it though. It’s certainly brought me closer to my family in the past.
Fisher became a “Fussy” toddler. (Watcher why?!) Great, now we have an Intense infant and a Fussy toddler. How’re we going to survive?? It’s OK, we’ll just adjust accordingly like we are with Hazel. He did enjoy trying the confetti cake though. :D
Next up is Hazel and she becomes a Wild toddler! I’m both excited and apprehensions about this… I’m worried she’ll run amok but I’m excited for the possibility of her loving the outdoors, being a tom boy and camping like me! She too enjoyed the cake-maybe a bit too much 0.o Her sugar highs are intense!
I HAD to capture this photo of all three of them while they were all toddlers together! They’re all super sweet and I love every minute I get to spend with them! The Watcher blessed me with three beautiful babies that we are exceedingly grateful to have and I could go on and on!
Harper is very precocious. She’s knocking these flashcards out of the park! I often wonder about who she’ll grow up to be. Since Sean and I are older parents, we worry about how long we’ll be around for our kids… Hopefully awhile though. We’ll see…
Day 53: It’s Harper’s turn to become a child! It goes by sooo fast! Like I thought other sims were exaggerating when they told me that! O.0 Hehe Sean hammed it up by blowing his New Year’s eve horn. I hate that thing so… Harper proved to be a Perfectionist and chose the “Social Butterfly” aspiration. Sean and I joke about the perfectionist trait-she likely was cursed with it by both of us.
Harper and Fisher are still thick as thieves! She enjoys teaching her younger brother the ropes. I just wish she’d also take more an interest in her younger sister… The twins have a symbiotic relationship with each other but I don’t know what’s going on with Harper and Hazel… I never had a sister growing up, but I adored my 2 older brothers. I’ll work with them on it.
That’s the end of chapter 8. Thanks for staying with me on our journey! Happy Simming!
Greetings and welcome back! Last time we’d left off, I’d forgotten Sean’s adult Morphing Day… He’s handled it really well actually. I still made it up to him though. He does look older but a refined way. I’m not far behind myself actually.. I’d hoped to have children in my young adult stage, but am glad I didn’t in retrospect.
Usually a Sim will blow out the candles on their Morphing Day. This time I decided to go against the grain and taste the frosting. It was a bittersweet Morph Day for me… There’s something sobering about entering the adult life stage. After all, a Sim’s lifespan is short, so I better hit the ground running! I still have so many dreams and goals! This marks my 27th Day since I moved.
On Day 28, Sean and Me met *The* Mortimer Goth. We were a bit starstruck but the poor man was just trying to enjoy the scenery by our home. Luckily, he’s very down-to-earth and we all hit it off quite nicely. Mortimer’s a famous author-he hasn’t read anything of mine or Sean’s yet. He and I discussed different types of fish and Sean was able to relate to him over collectibles.
Sean also invited Geoffrey Landgraab into our home since he happened by. Come to think of it, we’ve met them before but didn’t really get the chance to get to know them then. I’m glad Sean’s making new friends! I’m definitely the more outgoing of the two of us.
Later that night, Sean and Me decided to explore Willow Creek some more. I was fishing while he stumbled upon a large, alien-looking tree. After viewing it 3 times, watering and communicating with it, a large opening appeared at the base of the tree and Sean beckoned me to enter with him. Here goes!
After the long and arduous trek through the ethereal passageway, we emerged to a small clearing that looked and felt like it was right out of a dream! Hazy mists and bright bursts of pinks and blues everywhere! Then he got down on one knee and proposed! I can’t recall exactly what he said but he was very sincere and my head was swimming. This is really happening y’all!
We went back to Granite Falls for a bit, where Sean’s love of playing the guitar was cemented. He’s steadily improving. I hope he sticks with it.
After making sure Sean and I were on the same page out at least having a couple of kids, I got to work making an Elixir of Fertility. I’d rather have twins and be done with it than have multiple births if I can help it…
We decided to get married at Magnolia Park by the fountain. Mine or Sean’s family couldn’t make it since they all life so far away, but my Mom had the arch she hand carved shipped here. This will be our family heirloom! <3 Most of our friends couldn’t make it, but I appreciate the ones who did. It was super last minute, but neither of us could wait any longer.
The Wedding was lovely and we can’t wait to start the next chapter of our lives together! At first, my parents were against us moving in together before the wedding, but they came around as they got to know Sean over the phone. My favorite photo is the one on the bottom-right in front of the pirate ship play structure. <3
Mortimer began to come over more frequently as time went on. Sean was promoted to Freelance Article Writer (lv. 3)! Bella was too busy with all their kids to pop by though… I hope everything’s OK with them.
…We’re about to be more busy ourselves! On Day 34 while I was working, the telltale pregnancy confetti rained down on me and now I have a baby bump! I’m pregnant! Gotta go hunt down Sean!
He was at the park a lot over from our house taking a walk, so I quickly met up with him and told him the great news! It took a moment for him to process, but he was elated!
Just two days later (Day 36), I was in my 3rd trimester! Both Sean and Me are in awe of the little miracle(s) inside. We’ve been doing a lot of research about nooboos (babies) and asking everyone we can about it.
I’d completed by Outdoor Enthusiast Aspiration last time we went camping. Finally! My 2nd aspiration is “Angling Ace.” The stink bugs were the worst! Once they explode, there’s no catching them. It took three tries for me! Sean also got promoted to Advice Columnist. (4)
Instead of having a baby shower, I threw a Weenie-Roast party. Sean had to work unfortunately, but the rest of us had fun roasting marshmallows while I regaled them with the folk tales I grew up with.
Right in the middle of my story, I was in labor. Before I knew it, I was holding my first born daughter, Harper Grove. I got her settled indoors and was panicked to see a full-fledged fire that engulfed my new wooden chairs! Thankfully Sean got home in the nick of time and put it out! We’re all safe, but that was a truly harrowing experience! Needless to say, I’m NEVER having another Weenie Roast. :*(
Meet Harper Grove. She’s already a “Daddy’s Girl” I can tell, but we have our moments too. She doesn’t cry much at all… It had me concerned to where I frequently check on her to make sure she’s OK… I’m also eternally grateful, I didn’t give birth during the fire! As far as I’m aware, neither of us have a fear of fire…
That’s a wrap for this chapter! Thanks again for stopping by and Happy Simming!
Greetings and welcome back! This chapter will be detailing mine and Sean’s trips to Granite Falls! Let’s get to it!
First thing’s first: Bug catching! I caught the most rotund lady bugs I’d ever seen!
I’ve met Gary Rucker. Apparently there’s a group that likes to dress up as bear at Granite Falls now. Right on!
Ahhh! Now this is what I’ve been waiting for: Roasting Beetles! Naturally Sean wanted no part of this, but I’m starting to miss him already. He’s back at the cabin, but I assumed he’d put aside his fears for me now and then…
Oooo! The Legendary Dragon-Dragonfly! Such a bizarre yet enchanting creature!
After our first fight, I asked Sean to be my boyfriend. We’d kind of been skirting around that question for some time now. I didn’t give him an ultimatum, but it needed to be addressed. Turns out we were both too cautious. Well, damn! Hopefully, I won’t make that mistake again… Oh well! Onward!
“Angee!” (Simlish for “cheese!”) It’s official now. We are romantic partners! I love Sean’s leg lift there hehe. Here’s too a loving and supportive relationship for hopefully many years to come!
I’m making up for lost time by reading love poetry to Sean… In retrospect, maybe I was being a little selfish for expecting him to eat beetles with me. However, I do hope we achieve more balance overall in participating in each other’s hobbies. After all, we’ve a long time to explore each other’s worlds.
To be honest, I’ve lost track of the days but this pic was taken sometime around the last day of our trip… He enjoys roasting marshmallows-who doesn’t? We had many deep conversations about where we stand on a variety of issues and our individual and collective goals for the future. This concludes our first trip together! <3
Chompy became an adult while we were away! Sean screamed and ran down the street when he first saw them. While I was frozen in fear initially, I had the instinct to play with Chompy. After all, they’ll always be my baby! <3 I hope becoming a mother feels at least this satisfying…
Chompy’s got quite the appetite! I’ll have to work on training them, however. I almost met the business end of those teeth upon their first meat-feeding! For a short time, I considered obtaining another cow plant berry. That’d be too risky though. I don’t even know much about the one I have. I really should go find Sean… Poor man. Keeping Chompy might be an astronomically big ask to expect of him… ::sigh::
After days of bargaining with Sean, he agreed to keep Chompy-on the condition that he’ll never become cowplant food… I’ll take it!
While on our trip, my good friend Tanvi passed away. I also maxed my herbalism skill-thanks to her vast knowledge. I don’t know if I’ll ever recover from her loss, but might as well water the plants with my tears I suppose…
Sean had already agreed to move in before, but I wanted to make sure he still wanted to, so I asked him again and he re-accepted! So relieved! We agreed that I’d cut down my bug collection and he can’t overrun our home with his collectibles either.
Oh! I went on a one day trip on my own and met Leanne Zavala-Tanvi’s mentee-in the Deep Woods. She has taken permanent residence in Tanvi’s home as well. Normally I’d probably wax poetic about Leanna, but I’m still feeling raw and devastated from Tanvi’s passing, so I’ll go over her traits: She’s a loner, erratic, and loves the outdoors. I believe Tanvi had a similar personality maybe sans a trait…
Sean agreed to try gardening but he absolutely loathes it! (Nooo!) Once again, we’re having a bit of an issue finding common ground in our hobbies. Oh well, more gardening for me! He’s now a “Writer’s Assistant” (lv.1) Quickly after, he was promoted to Blogger! (lv. 2)
Sean’s been hard at work mining things from rocks. His current aspiration is to be a Collector. Even I partake in mining a bit here and there. :D
The Parikh’s and Goth’s had a baby… (I’m trying not to be jealous but it’s hard!)
Sean and me went back to Granite Falls. I caught Locusts here. I love bugs, but these make my skin crawl!
I also caught Katydids and Monarch Butterflies! So lovely! <3 It’s going to be tough to determine which insects I keep…
Ohhhh noooo! I completely forgot Sean’s birthday! I feel so selfish! He didn’t say anything but he metamorphosed in the woods by himself! We’d planned to do something, but I was so laser-focused on bug catching… Well, he might have also forgotten? Ugh… I definitely need to make this right!
That concludes this chapter. As always, thanks for tuning in and Happy Simming!
Greetings Dear Readers and Welcome back to my blog/story! Some of my musings may go into book form. For now, It’s excellent practice and a kind of reprieve for me when I don’t feel like just pure grinding my way into the literary world. (yes, writing when burned out from writing may seem counterintuitive, but it’s how I cope apparently.) I’ve been promoted to Advice Columnist (lv. 4). Wow! I can’t believe I’ve already gotten this far!
My second book that I’ve published was “Ode to Fishing.” It’s an anthology on what fishing has meant to me for most of my life. My third book was “My Squeamish Geek” about my beloved. I’ll keep that one to myself for now-maybe forever. Lucy had asked me if she should go for the Librarian promotion and I said, “Of course! You’ve earned it!” I’m pleased to announce that she did get the promotion! :D
Sean had asked me out to the Solar Flare Lounge the other evening, but I’d turned him down since I was so backlogged with writing stuff. I decided to make it up to him by asking him out to Magnolia Blossom Park during the wee hours of the morning on the 14th day. He agreed and we had a spectacular time!
However, I do have to admit that he’s better at chess than me. I used to be the chess champion of my family. The night was so perfect that it didn’t really seem to matter though. (I’m told that I’m usually a fiercely competitive game player.)
When I got home, I completed my 4th book: “My Heart’s Wish.” It’s the more socially appropriate version of “My Heart’s Desire.” I don’t really care about the fame so much, but hope to make a living off this career as long as possible. And writing’s in my veins! Not sure how though, since no one else in my family has a penchant for it…
I went back to the gym and was trained by Miguel Schwartz. He really knows his stuff! Also pictured here from left to right: Bella Goth, Jay Hunington III, and Eliza Pancakes who is obscured by Jay walking by. I finally got to meet the famous Bella Goth. I wasn’t as star-struck as I thought I’d be. She’s kind of a hometown celebrity between the 3 towns: Willow Creek, Oasis Springs, and the newly founded Newcrest. I am currently the only resident in Newcrest. I love it even though it feels daunting at times. My deepest wish is that it becomes a thriving haven for many someday. <3
I caught the legendary Cowplant Berry! I’ve heard all the outlandish tall tales of them growing up and eating people, but I’d yet the see one-let alone have one one-of my very own! I can’t wait to go home and plant it!
When I got home, Eliza Pancakes happened to be walking by (proceeded by Summer whom I ignored.) I do need to make more friends, so I happily introduced myself to her.
She even took it upon herself to clean my Herbalism grill. I thought it was odd at first, but who am I to deny her the *joy* of cleaning.
Here goes! The Cowplant Berry has been planted. I feel really foolish doing this however… It’s probably going to be as disappointing as those little spongy dinosaurs that barely puff up after the water’s been applied to them… Just for giggles, I’ll name it, “Chompy.” May you forever reign Chompy the Vicious! (Oooo more ideas for my next books!) End Day 14.
Tanvi stopped by and I couldn’t resist this photo opportunity! She says things are going well back at her little shack in the Deep Woods. That’s nice. She’s also taught me quite a few recipes. I worry about her need to obsessively make several liniments and leave them scattered around all the grills in the neighborhood though…
My eyes deceive me! It’s true! They do grow up! Chompy is already a sapling after just one day! They even seem to sway and move a bit… I’m a little worried now to be honest but I refuse to kill or get rid of them. I find myself talking to Chompy as if they were another sim…
Before I turned in for night 15, I called Sean up and invited him camping at Granite Falls with me. He told me he’s a collector and there are plently of rocks and dig spots for him to discover new treasures at. He even mentioned something about learning the guitar which sound awesome!
We started our first trip together early on the morning of Day 19.
On Day 16, I published kid’s book, “Don’t Poke the Will O’ the Wisp” and was promoted to Regular Contributer (5).
Day 17 was more work…
Day 18: I was promoted to Short Story Writer (6) and officially chose the Writer Career Track (as opposed to the Journalism route.)
Sean and Me discussed his career options. He wanted my advice on whether or not to have a career. While I encouraged it, I told him he’d have to pick that career on his own. He decided on the Journalism track of the writing career. (uh-oh competition! But not really since they’re almost like different worlds.)
Stay tuned for next time as Sean and Me go on our first trip together for three days! I think we’ll stay in a cabin because of his squeamishness, but should still be fun even though we’re ::sigh:: glamping…
Greetings and welcome back! Thank you so much for joining me on my journey. Without further adieu, let’s dive into the latest happenings of the society newsletter: Nancy and Geoffrey Landgraab had a baby named Tomas. The Parikh’s had a baby named Latasha (The Diwali Household by Maxis.) And the Goth’s had a baby named Kassidy! I really should form a welcome wagon of some kind… It’s been quite the whirlwind for me these last few days! And a hearty congratulations to all the new parents in Oasis Springs and Willow Creek!
So about 9:30-ish this morning, I was playing chess with Lacy and my heart skipped a beat as I looked out the window. There it was-the rare copy of The Songbird’s Plight! The man who was holding it was easy on the eyes too! I excused myself from our game and rushed after him like a madwoman.
“Sir! Sir! Excuse me!” He quickened his pace before looking over his shoulder at me.
After a moment’s consideration (and what felt like forever), he turned around and addressed me.
“Oh hi. How can I help you?” he asked.
“You have Songbird’s Plight?!” I blurted. (Oh Watcher Why?!)
“It’s actually Songbird’s Melody but just as good!”
After that monumentally embarrassing exchange, we fell into an easy conversation and exchanged information. His name is Sean Arcadia. It all felt like a fever dream. He loves the outdoors AND is a bookworm! What luck! I don’t even care what other traits he has… well, I do but I’m eager to see where this goes! <3
Sean and Me had our date later that afternoon when I got off work. I was promoted to Freelance Article Writer which doubled my excitement! Turns out he’s a Geek and a Bookworm! He seemed kind of hesitant about the outdoors… After connecting for hours, I got up the nerve to kiss him! I’m glad the feeling was mutual. <3 <3 <3
I invited him back to my place to give him a tour-of the house…
…But it may have turned into more than that. I figured that I might as well get some work done. It’s kind of harder to stay motivated at work when I can accept any job I want!
Day 10: I published my first book! It’s an exhaustive encyclopedia on fireflies. Naturally, my research on all varieties-along with my blood, sweat, and tears went into it! OK… maybe not my blood, but you get the gist! Huzzah!
I also read in today’s newsletter that the Brown family had baby Rhea. (The Cute Family by Grams_McHams.)
Lacy and Me. It’s safe to say we’re becoming close friends. The Writer and the Librarian-watch out world! (What we’re watching out for I don’t know but still!)
Day 11: The Pancakes had baby Randolph, I believe? Sorry, my mind’s in a million directions at the moment! (Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong Eliza!)
Woo… I caught an upgrade part. After attempting to fix my toilet the other day, I’ve decided I loathe handiness. I’m the black sheep of my family in that regard. I do believe my Mom’s currently working on a whole furniture set at the moment. (Hi Mom!!!)
Day 12: Had Sean over for dinner. I made some more of my now perfected Veggie Dumplings. He seemed to enjoy them-or he’s too polite, but I’ll take it. He didn’t really seem to keen on my Frog, Elsie though… She’d croak and he looked like he’s trying to hold back vomit.
…
“Not a fan of frogs?” I queried.
He let out a deep sigh. “Oh Watcher no! I’m sorry, I should’ve mentioned it the other day but I was so charmed by you… I can… go somewhere else.”
So he’s squeamish. I felt torn but decided to put Elsie elsewhere for the time being. I hope he doesn’t expect me to get rid of them though…
“Oh no! Not at all, I’ve been wanting to build a better enclosure for her anyway and the kitchen table isn’t the best place in retrospect. Lemme move her.” Our first compromise?
Here’s the humble beginnings of my apple orchard! So excited!
…And also, voila! Here’s my garden. I’ve been harvesting things around the neighborhood. Newcrest is a lovely clean slate-my lovely clean slate for the time being. A legacy garden is exactly what this property needs!
Found it: The proof of my struggles with the toilet. Never again! I’ll likely hire a repair-sim, but this is definitely not one of those acquired skills for me!
Here I am making Deodorizing Cream. The recipe calls for 1 elderberry, 1 strawberry, and 2 parsley. It’s primarily used for hygiene-could come in handy in a pinch!
I’ve been feeling a bit sluggish lately, so I decided to check out the Movers and Shakers Gym in Willow Creek. Normally, I prefer I nice jog outdoors, but this works too. This was another picture I’d meant to post earlier in this entry, but dog-gone it, I’m tired! I’m sure you can relate. I still have 3 project deadlines looming but at least I feel more invigorated and up to the task!
Stay tuned for next time and as always: I appreciate you spending time in my neck of the woods.
SierraSims 