Bailey's Ravine Sims 2 Blog

No longer updating

2009-01-01T14:31:00.000-08:00

I'm no longer updating this Sims 2 blog. I am still playing the game and enjoying playing it instead of taking the photos for the stories, etc. Please read the previous story if you wish and I will be happy to answer any questions anyone may have.

Meet Veronaville, The Best Town in SimLand! Episode 1

2008-03-15T13:44:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Meet Veronaville, a new TV show that will showcase the people of Veronaville, the capital of SimLand. We'll showcase a new family each week and follow them around as they live their lives. I hope you enjoy this episode!

We'll start with Mercutio Monty of the prestigious Monty family. Hello, Mercutio. Can you introduce us to your family?

Yes, this is my wife, Nancy. She's a doctor. And this is my daughter, Natalie. She's having a birthday soon.

What can you tell us about your family?

Well, my parents were Olivia and Claudio Monty. They died when my brother, Romeo, and I were very young and we were raised by my grandparents. They were Isabella and Patrizio Monty. Grandfather passed away just before Romeo went to college and Grandmother passed away soon after I graduated from college and returned home.

I'm sorry for your loss, Mercutio. You mentioned your brother, Romeo. Does he live here?

No, he lives with his wife and family in their own home. He married Desdemona Capp and they have two daughters, Delilah and DeeDee. I was glad to see him the other day when he stopped by one of my stores.

He married a member of the Capp family? I thought the Monty family did not get along with them?

Well, we are getting over that. She is actually a cousin of his old girlfriend, Juliette. They met in college and fell head over heels for each other. So they have brought the two families together in marriage and they are quite happy.

Well, Mercutio, you mentioned that your wife was a doctor. What do you do?

I own many businesses in Bluewater, a suburb of Veronaville. Would you like to see them?

Sure. When we come back, we'll visit Mercutio at work.

Why no more updates

2008-03-15T10:59:00.000-07:00

When I upgraded to Open for Business I ended up losing my McBeth family and that's why there are no more updates. Plus I was kind of tired from playing the Forbes family. If you notice most of the later generations only had 1 child. It got to where it was hard to enjoy playing when I felt like all I was doing was taking photos and blogging. Anyway, I've played the game for a couple years now without doing photos or blogging and have all the new expansions. I can only play on my laptop, though, as my CD Rom in my desktop isn't working right and won't read the disk. That narrows down when and where I can play. I may start a new legacy now that I have Seasons because I think it will be interesting to see if my legacy founder can build shelter before winter.

I've been playing Veronaville on my laptop legacy style for the past 2 years. I have so many families right now it's hard to keep up with them all. I'm almost out of room for them all and they are all living in Veronaville, downtown, and in Bluewater. I did have a hack to allow adults to live in University but I removed it. But I do need the room. I may start to blog those families as I play them in order and introduce them all to you. I'm not having all of them have kids, though. I'm playing the college roommates and having them move out but they are usually on their own and they stay alone till they die. I know, it's sad. But I just don't have room for more families.

So stay tuned. You may see some Veronaville families here soon. I do have 2 aliens married to one another. One is 1/2 alien and is the product of an abduction and his wife's mother was an alien, so I don't know if I should say she is 1/4 alien or 1/2 alien since the mother was already an alien character in Veronaville. I was thinking it would be interesting to follow an alien family and see if the DNA ever changes.

Malcolm's Wedding

2006-11-20T16:22:00.000-08:00

The wedding day was a perfect day in spring. The wedding garden had been pruned and prepared for the ceremony. Malcolm wore his father's tuxedo and Jaiden agreed to wear his mother's gown. She also wore a tiara that had belonged to her mother. Malcolm had never seen a more beautiful bride.

Aunt Margaret attended her brother's wedding feeling both happiness and sadness. She knew he was now an adult, he now had a wife and would soon have a family. It was time for her to move on.

Grandfather Malcolm didn't want her to leave the family home.

"Margaret, please stay. We want you here with us."

"This is your home, now, Brother. You are the heir and you must make a life with your wife and future family. I will visit you, and you and Jaiden can visit me. It's time for me to leave you."

"But you know Father didn't believe it appropriate for a woman to live alone!" Malcolm exclaimed.

"I honor our father's memory, Brother, but he is no longer with us. We do live in a modern world. You know that I have a job, so I can care for myself. I'll find a roommate if necessary, and I may even marry one day. I will be fine. Remember, you are the younger sibling."

"You are right, Sister. Thank you for allowing me to follow the path set before me. I now allow you to do the same. Go with God, Sister."

"Go with God, Brother." Margaret and Malcolm hugged each other, then Margaret turned to Jaiden. "Go with God, Sister. May you and my brother have a happy life and a large family." She hugged her new sister-in-law, then returned to the house to pack her things. Aunt Margaret left the family home the next morning.

Malcolm Returns

2006-11-12T16:16:00.000-08:00

The years passed quickly and Grandfather Malcolm returned to his home where his sister was waiting. They greeted each other warmly and stayed up late talking and catching up everything that had happened. Malcolm was very happy to tell his sister that he had met his true love. She was going to come over the next day in order to meet Margaret. He would formally propose at that time.

Malcolm greeted Jaiden enthusiastically when she came to visit, and asked her to marry him at once.

"I offer you my heart," he said to her.

"I accept," she replied, "and offer you mine as well."

"Let me introduce you to my sister, Margaret. I hope you two will be great friends." Malcolm said, and led his fiancee inside of his family home.

Margaret wasn't impressed with Jaiden at first. She didn't dress in the family's manner and was used to worldly pleasures, items that the McBeth family did not allow in their home. After some discussion, though, Aunt Margaret blessed the union and a wedding date was chosen.

Malcolm Graduates

2006-11-11T16:59:00.000-08:00

The day had arrived. Malcolm had gradutated high school and was leaving for college. He hated telling his sister goodbye, knowing that she had given up her dreams to study music when their mother died.

She followed him outside when the cab came, helping to carry his things.

"Write to me, and call me often," she said.

"I will, Sister. I will come to visit you soon," said Malcolm. Then he entered the cab and was gone.

Malcolm at College

2006-11-11T15:55:00.000-08:00

Malcolm wanted to remember his heritage and his family, even while off in the more modern world at college. Margaret sent him some new clothes to wear to help him out. He thought this outfit was a little too over the top.

So most pictures of him in college show him wearing this.

Malcolm also continued his search for a lady to possibly become his wife. After meeting many women, he believed he found the one.

Her name was Jaiden Danaher.

She liked all the same things that Malcolm liked. They especially loved to go dancing and out to restaurants. Jaiden told Malcolm that she would one day like to own a business, something related to food. As they continued to discuss their dreams for the future, Malcolm was remembering his father's words. "Is this the woman to whom I could give my heart?" he wondered.

Malcolm in Love

2006-11-10T16:54:00.000-08:00

Malcolm had heard the stories told by his father for many years, about finding true love. He knew he wanted what his parents had, the love that had sustained them and then taken them within weeks of each other.

He had met Anna Day when she came to visit his sister. Anna was a pretty girl with blonde braids and blue eyes. She was a lot of fun. Malcolm realized that he knew how his sister had felt with her boyfriend. Malcolm was in love.

He also remembered his father's warning - to be sure it was the right woman.

"You can be attracted to many women, but you can only be true to one. Find the one you can give your heart to completely, son, and you will be happy."

Tragedy Prevented

2006-11-03T16:49:00.000-08:00

After everything the family had been through, they thought it impossible that another tragedy would strike them. However, one night after Margaret had been working at her salon, she collapsed on the sidewalk in front of the house, a dark figure standing over her. Malcolm ran outside and fell to his knees, praying that his sister would be spared. He couldn't lose her too!

Suddenly Margaret opened her eyes and seemed to float off the ground.

She was alive! She hugged her brother, and told him what happened.

"I saw Father," she said. "He appeared to me, then I fell over and everything was cold. Then I heard you praying and I got warm again. You saved me, Brother. God forgive me for being selfish and angry with you."

"Oh, Margaret, you are my dear sister and I couldn't live without you." Brother and sister hugged each other tightly. "Don't feel you must care for me forever, Sister. Thank you for all you do for me, and when the time comes, you must do what you wish for yourself."

A Father Leaves...

2006-10-21T16:40:00.000-07:00

Soon after Malcolm's 16th birthday, Grandfather Duncan passed away suddenly from a heart attack. The family was heart broken. According to Margaret's diary, Grandmother Trista spent a long time speaking to a person who wasn't there. When she wasn't talking to herself, she was speaking to an old ball she'd had as a child. Margaret encouraged her to put more effort into her beauty salon in order to get through the days without Duncan.

Grandmother Trista did so, and was going to bed one evening when she suddenly screamed "Duncan!" and fell to the floor. The children rushed into the room only to discover their mother, dead on the floor. Malcolm swore that his father's ghost had returned to take his mother's soul. Margaret was heartbroken. She missed her parents, but she also knew this meant her months of preparation for college had been all for nothing. With no one left in the house, she had to stay and keep it running while her brother, the heir, attended college.

Margaret did not graduate high school with honors as she had hoped. Losing both parents so suddenly, as well as having her dream of college taken from her, had left her listless and wandering. She finished school and encouraged her brother to do his very best. He was going to study painting at college, so in addition to his school work he spent all his spare time painting.

Margaret grew into a lovely woman. She threw herself into running the household, ran her mother's beauty business - which had passed on to her - and got a job in the culinary field. She had a new dream, a dream she dared not mention to anyone for fear that it would once again be taken from her. She wanted to become a chef and possibly own a restaurant or bakery one day. Of course, that would be after she completed her training and after making sure her brother finished college.

The family grows up

2006-10-20T16:34:00.000-07:00

Grandmother Trista also taught Margaret how to run the business. When she began high school, Margaret started helping her mother as a stylist. She wasn't very successful at the beginning either.

During high school Margaret met a boy. They began dating and one night she had her very first kiss.

"I'm in love!" she told her parents. "We want to get married!"

"Not until after college!" they told her, so she began her preparations for college. Thanks to her parents success in the science field, the family had the money to send her to any school she wished. She wanted to study music and fine arts, so she began practicing the piano diligently every day.

Malcolm was soon old enough to attend school as well. The family made a point to eat dinner together every day and share all of their stories with each other.

If only they knew how quickly tragedy would strike.

An Heir is Born

2006-10-19T16:29:00.000-07:00

Yes, the second child born to Grandfather Duncan McBeth was a son! He was thrilled to have a child to continue his line. The child was named Malcolm McBeth.

Margaret was growing up as well. She began school and would play with her baby brother when she returned home.

Trista enjoyed the time off work at the lab and began a beauty consultant business. She had a few successes...

But she had a lot more failures.

Citizens of Veronaville eventually began to enjoy her talents and would come to the house whenever she was open to them.

Malcolm was two before she returned to work at the science lab and ran her beauty shop on her days off.

A Child is Born!

2006-10-19T16:24:00.000-07:00

Grandmother Trista took time from work to begin a family with Grandfather Duncan. Soon their first child was born...

Margaret McBeth.

Grandfather was happy about the birth of a child and he loved his daughter unconditionally. But he knew to continue his line he would need a son. Trista was tired from the pregnancy and caring for infant Margaret, but she wanted her husband to be happy and she also wanted more children with him.

Margaret was an inquisitive toddler. She especially liked the family fish tank.

When their daughter was almost 3, Trista discovered she was expecting again. Would she have a son this time? Would she give her husband an heir?

Finding True Love

2006-10-17T16:16:00.000-07:00

My great-grandfather was a romantic. He believed in soul mates. He knew there was one woman out there for him, someone who would believe in his way of life and complete his heart. Someone who would give him children and love him until death would part them.

After visiting many areas of Veronaville and meeting different women, he finally met Trista Shaw - almost right under his nose. She worked with him in the science lab. They had a lot in common - the same birthday, the same interests. She would come over for dinner and they would talk late into the night after work.

Finally Grandfather Duncan worked up the courage to propose to Trista. She accepted, and they were married in the garden behind the house.

Grandmother Trista wore her mother's wedding gown created of lace. Grandfather Duncan wore his father's old tuxedo. It was a simple ceremony and they couldn't have been happier.

Duncan was already 10 years older than Trista, but he knew he wanted a family. She agreed, so they began their family right away.

McBeth Family Legacy

2006-10-17T16:06:00.000-07:00

My family has lived in Veronaville for many years. It all goes back to my too-many-greats-to-count grandfather, Duncan McBeth. He fled from Scotland when King Duncan was murdered and his throne usurped. My great grandfather loved his country and his king, and it pained him greatly to leave it. So he found this place to begin anew, a place called Veronaville, where the old ways were still much in tradition.

It has been 10 generations since my great-grandfather lived in this house, the same house I now own with my family. His diaries and photographs live on, as well as telling our story to each male heir in the family. As I said before, grandfather believed in the old ways and that meant that boys inherited the estate, not girls.

When he first arrived in Veronaville he had very little money. He was able to buy a large piece of land, large enough for his gardening and building hobby and for a great house that existed, at that time, only within his mind.

He began working and slowly earning his fortune. It was hard at first, living with so little, but he knew it would eventually make his family strong.

He worked so hard at times that he would return home and collapse on the sidewalk.

After many nights of sleeping on an old sofa, he was finally able to purchase a bed and some other items he needed for his small homestead.

After a very lucky discovery at work, he received a large promotion and was finally able to build a modest house.

He then decided to focus on finding a wife.

Delay on New Legacy

2006-10-12T12:44:00.000-07:00

I had a post all ready and as I said went to play the game last night. It kept crashing so I had to do some troubleshooting this morning. Apparently Veronaville was bugged. I tested it according to this info from MTS2 and was able to play in Strangetown and Pleasantview for almost 30 minutes each with no crashes. I had to refresh Veronaville to a clean neighborhood. That was fine since I hadn't played it since I got Sims 2. So, my legacy is beginning again and I should have the first post up hopefully by the end of next week. I also plan to package my founder & the lot and save it so that if it happens again I will have the family saved so I can extract them into another location.

Problems...

2006-10-11T23:39:00.000-07:00

I am having more problems with OFB. I have the first chapter of my new legacy ready to go, but OFB is crashing on me. I haven't been able to play at all tonight and I've been trying for over 2 hours. I'm going to bed and I'm going to back up and reinstall tomorrow morning. I don't want to post the first chapter because I don't know if I'm going to lose the family or not.

New Legacy begins tomorrow!

2006-10-11T08:56:00.000-07:00

I'm beginning a new legacy set in Veronaville this time. I'm following the new legacy rules with the following handicaps as detailed in the list rules:

Extreme Start, True Love, Free Roaming Ghosts, Storyteller, Behind the Times, Living Very Large, Patriarchy. I'm starting on a 5x6 lot as required by the extreme start. I think these handicaps will make the game more difficult and require more thinking and planning than my last legacy.

I'm doing this one in Veronaville because when I added Open for Business it seems to have corrupted Bailey's Ravine. Most of the future generations of the Forbes family is gone. I haven't brought myself to delete Bailey's Ravine just yet, but I know I will in the future.

I hope everyone enjoys this legacy as much as you enjoyed the Forbes family.

Family tree part 2

2006-09-23T17:21:00.002-07:00

***From Simmer in charge--Scoring***
Family ended with over $500,000 in cash. I had all 7 platinum headstones for all aspirations and earned all career rewards. My final point tally was 44 points.

I have an order in for Open for Business on Ebay. I should be getting it sometime next week. Once I play for a while and learn the game, I'll begin a new legacy. Until then, I plan to play some of my other Bailey's Ravine families as well as the siblings that have been frozen in time.

Come back soon!

Family Tree part 1

2006-09-23T17:21:00.001-07:00

Presenting Generation 10

2006-09-23T17:17:00.000-07:00

Our son, Omar, turned 2 today and the Forbes family is now released from the requirements of my great grandfather Mark's terms. We may now choose our own paths. Omar doesn't have to continue living here on the Forbes estate. He may choose to do so, of course, but the house, land, and all it entails is now ours, free and clear.

Teresa is expecting another child as well, and that makes us very happy. We are excited as we look towards the future, trying to determine what the next expansion of our lives will hold for us.

Noah's Wedding

2006-09-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

Teresa moved her stuff in the day before our wedding. Even then she didn't remove the cow mask. She said I would see her at the altar and not before.

We all got a good night's sleep so we would be ready for the wedding in the morning. I was so excited! I couldn't wait to marry the girl of my dreams.

I waited at the altar for her to come down the steps of the chapel. I was so nervous.

Then I saw her. She was beautiful! Her hair was black and shiny. She was wearing a pale pink dress with a veil over her face. I had never seen a more beautiful woman.
She stood in front of me and asked if I still wanted to marry such an ugly person.

I took her hands and said, "Teresa, I'm in love with your spirit, your zest for live, and your humor. I belief you are beautiful, inside and out." Her face lit with a beautiful smile and it was like the sun shining from behind a bank of clouds. We recited our vows before my mom and our friends. It was a beautiful ceremony.

The reception was wonderful. We ate, danced, and talked all night. I even danced with mom a few times.

After the party, Teresa and I went back to our room at the house. I promised that I would do my best to love her and make her happy.

**Veil, hair and earrings from pronup sims. Not sure if dress is from there or from MTS2. **

Noah's Girlfriend

2006-09-22T18:13:00.000-07:00

I am in love!

I met a wonderful girl at college named Teresa. She's the cow mascot. She's funny and smart. She likes to hang around with me and play pool. We like to watch TV and have pillow fights.

Some people say she's annoying, but not to me.

I love her so much, on our last date I asked her to marry me!

She won't take her cow outfit off, though. She says she's ugly. I just know that anyone who is as funny and sweet as she is has to be beautiful. She said she would take it off at our wedding. She said it would be too late to back out after we were married :)

We still have 2 years before graduation. I'm sure she'll take off the costume before then.

Generation 9 grows up

2006-09-21T17:33:00.000-07:00

Before I knew it, Noah was going to school.

Then he was a teenager getting ready for college.

I'm not ready for my baby to grow up!

I saw something strange at the cowplant the other night. I swore it was Calvin, but when I looked back he was gone.

Forbes Family Loses Three Members Suddenly

2006-09-20T17:49:00.000-07:00

The Forbes family is sad to announce the passing of their matriarch Lorelai Forbes Charvat. She passed away peacefully at her newly restored family home. Less than 48 hours later, her husband, Robi Charvat, also passed away. Their daughter, Kira Raha, gave this statement:

Mother and Father loved each other so much they couldn't live without each other. Father went to be with the woman he has loved for over 30 years. Noah and I will miss them greatly, but they are at peace.

Kira Raha did not comment on the loss of her husband, Calvin Raha. Calvin Raha was killed in a gardening accident at the family's home the day after Robi Charvat passed away.

The Storm!

2006-09-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

There was a major storm the other day, it came right through Sim City and hit Bailey's Ravine head on! The news said there was a tornado! It tore right through the upper floor of the house as well as the nightclub building out back. It was terrible!

We've had to redo the house. We tore down the upper floor and moved all the living room stuff into our great room. The living room has now been divided into bedrooms.

The nightclub house was too damaged, it had to be completely torn down.

Here is the new house after repairs were made.

Kira's Wedding

2006-09-08T01:21:00.000-07:00

**Warning - semi-adult content at the end**

I finally had my dream wedding!

There is still some tension between Dad and Calvin, but they are slowly breaking the ice. I think it's difficult because Dad has been there for so long for me and Noah and now I've found someone else to turn to for what I need, as well as giving Noah a step-father. Calvin really does love that little boy, and Noah loves him as well.

The wedding was beautiful! It was in our chapel out back, where all the family weddings are held. My aunt Michelle came, as well as Ariyana, my friend from college.

My dress was beautiful! I could hear Mom crying through the ceremony.

We had so much fun at the reception. We danced and talked and ate lots of food.

Our wedding photo now hangs on the wall of the chapel along with pictures of other family members.

I even danced with Noah before he was put to bed :)

We went off on our honeymoon in style.

Looks like it will be fun night ;)

****Wedding dress from Mod the Sims2, veil, hair and lingerie from ProNupSims.**

Introducing Calvin

2006-09-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

Calvin and I have been seeing each other for 6 months now. It seems like we met just yesterday. We finally decided to introduce him to Mom and Dad.

Mom was great! She and Calvin had a lot in common.

Dad was another story.

After Calvin left the room, we argued.

"He's my age, for God's sake! Haven't you learned your lesson with older men?"

"Daddy, I love him! He's not like Korey!"

"I still don't like this, young lady, not at all. You are living in my house and you need to shape up! You have a child to care for!"

"I believe, Daddy, that you are living in Mom's house, which is technically now MY house, and I will do as I please. I love him, he's asked me to marry him, and we're going to be living here, so you can deal with it or you and Mom can leave!"

I'd never spoken to my father in that way before. He stormed from the room and didn't speak to me for a long time.

Dating Calvin

2006-09-05T15:37:00.000-07:00

Calvin and I had our first date tonight. We had dinner, we went bowling, and we danced. He is the nicest man I've ever met, except for my father. He makes me feel very special and loved.

I'm falling for him fast.

Moving Forward

2006-09-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

There was no word from Korey at all during the 6 weeks the legal notices ran in the paper. The divorce was granted without contest. Korey's son, Tyson, had his father declared missing. At first I thought it would mess up the divorce, but my attorney saw to it that they were considered seperate cases. Even with our family's problems in the past, the police did not look to us in regards to Korey's disapearance. Tyson told him that his father had abandoned him as a child as well. It was only recently that they had even reconnected. Due to Korey's history and testimony of Mom and Dad about what happened the night Korey left, we were not considered suspects in his disappearance. So the divorce went through with no problems and the missing person case is still considered open.

I went out to dinner to celebrate and met someone. We talked almost all night and he offered to see me home. His name is Calvin.

Yes, another older man. What is wrong with me? But he's so sweet. I told him about Noah. He told me that he loves kids and wants to have some of his own. He's a widower. His wife wasn't able to have children and she passed away about five years ago.

He asked me on a date. I told him I would think about it.

Single Motherhood

2006-09-03T16:27:00.000-07:00

Not long after Korey left I had our baby, a beautiful boy I named Noah.

Mom and Dad helped me so much with him. He's very smart. He and Dad get along very well. He grew up quickly.

I contacted Korey's son, Tyson, but he hadn't heard from him either. When Noah turned 2, I knew it was time to file for divorce. I felt like a failure, believing in this man who turned out to be exactly what my mother said he was. But I had a child to raise and it was important for me to be strong for him. I needed to move on with my life.

I filed for divorce and placed all the legal notices in every newspaper in the area, just like I was required to do. Then I waited for word from Korey.

Korey Leaves

2006-09-01T13:05:00.000-07:00

Lorelai heard shouting from the living room. She entered to find Kira arguing with Korey. It had been going on for some time and had only gotten worse over the past month. Lorelai had also found more money missing, but hadn't mentioned it to Kira.

"You aren't going anywhere, you b*tch!" He screamed. Korey was drunk and still dressed in his underwear. He apparently hadn't gone into town that day.

"I'll go where ever I please, and don't ever call me that!" Kira yelled back.

"Hey!" Lorelai yelled at Korey. "You stop yelling at my daughter right now! She's pregnant, you idiot!"

"Stop telling me what to do, you old hag!" Korey raised his hand as if to slap Lorelai.

"Korey," A loud voice, steady but calm, spoke from the doorway. "I want you out of my house." Robi said.

"Gladly." Korey stormed into the master bedroom and soon appeared with a suitcase in his hands. He slammed the door shut behind him.

Kira slumped down onto the sofa and began to cry. As Lorelai moved to the sofa to comfort her, she cried out, clutching her stomach.

"Mom," Kira said, looking up through tear filled eyes, "I'm in labor."

Lorelai's Suspicions

2006-08-31T00:57:00.000-07:00

Soon after Korey Jitmakuson joined the household, Lorelai noticed things...little things. Ornamental items from the garden disappeared. Money from her prized money trees was less than before. One day she caught her son-in-law harvesting the cash.

"Korey," Lorelai said, "what are you doing?"

"Oh, I saw they needed harvesting and thought I'd do it since you were busy. Here you go." He handed her the money from the trees, but she thought he looked very nervous as he walked away.

Lorelai sighed to herself. Kira had recently announced she was pregnant. She and Korey had only been married a few months. Lorelai had tried to like her son-in-law, but was finding it impossible. A lot of strange women would call for him. He would answer the phone laughing and smiling, then stop speaking as soon as Lorelai would walk by. Kira would defend him, but Lorelai knew she had to say something.

She finally caught Kira in the master bathroom one evening.

"Honey, you know I love you, but I have to talk to you about Korey."

"Mom, we've been through this. Besides, he told me about the money tree. He said he won't touch them again."

"Kira, it's not just that. I mean, he quit his job at the school. He's living on our money. He just hangs out all day or goes into town. Why does he go downtown? He has no job. What is he doing?"

"I don't remember Daddy having a job when I was growing up. Didn't he live on your family's money too?"

"Your father did keep his job, for a long time, then after a while he was able to sell that business for a substantial sum of money. Korey doesn't seem to want to do anything."

"Mom, you just don't understand. He's finding himself, and I am totally for it."

"Kira, you're expecting a child! You don't need to do this to yourself or your child."

"Do what, Mom? I have a husband that I love, we're having a baby, you can't change that. You couldn't even kick me out when you found out we were already married. Now just leave us alone." Kira stormed out of the bathroom as quickly as her pregnant legs would carry her.

"Please let her be right." Lorelai prayed.

Kira's Wedding

2006-08-30T00:52:00.000-07:00

"She's married, Robi! She married a man twice her age! Without telling us, without getting married in our family chapel, without having her picture made!" Lorelai cried on her husband's shoulder.

"Honey, it's okay. It will work out. Maybe you're wrong about him, maybe he does really love her." Robi caressed his wife's long hair, trying to soothe her.

"I'm not wrong! He's all wrong for her, he cares nothing about her. All he wants is our money!"

"Did she tell you what happened?"

"Yes, she did. She said she knew I wouldn't be happy about the relationship, so they snuck off. They went to a park near the college the day after graduation. They hired a pastor to perform the ceremony. Apparently the paperwork was completed months ago, just after Kira turned 18. Oh, I can't believe it, my baby married in a park, and I wasn't able to be there!" Lorelai's tears started fresh.

"I understand how you feel, Lorelai, but we can't ask them to leave. This is Kira's home. We need to do what we can to welcome Korey into our home as well."

"I just don't like him, Robi. He's not a good person."

"I know, Honey, I know. We'll just have to see what happens." Robi hugged his wife tightly as her tears began anew.

The Ride Home

2006-08-28T00:39:00.000-07:00

"Mom, remember that friend I told you about, my special friend."

"Kira, if you have a boyfriend just tell me. It's okay, you are an adult now."

"I just don't want you to be angry when I tell you this. He's, well, he's older than me."

"Older? How much older?"

"Well, like almost as old as you and Dad."

Lorelai was quiet. She didn't know what to say for a long time. She finally spoke.

"Kira, who is this man?"

"Korey Jitmakuson, the headmaster from my high school."

"Kira!" Lorelai was shocked. "He didn't start anything with you while you were in school, did he?"

"Mom!" Kira was angry.

"We both felt it, it wasn't just him. He was a perfect gentleman. He encouraged me to finish high school and college, we knew it was right to wait. He's asked me to marry him, he knows all about the legacy thing and that we have to live on the property. He's fine with that."

"I'll bet he's fine with that! Do you know how much you are worth, Kira? Any man would love to get his hands on our money."

"Korey isn't like that, Mom. He's not. He loves me, he's loved me for years. We're finally going to be together."

"Is he married?"

"No, Mom. He's divorced. He actually has a son named Tyson. I've met him, he's really nice. He's about 2 years older than me. He gradutated from Sim State."

"Maybe you should date him instead."

"Mom, be reasonable. I'm in love."

"Kira, you know the requirements of your great-grandfather Mark. At least one child must continue to live in this house or the estate is given to Bailey's Ravine historical society. You are my only child, so you are the heir to this estate. I do have to say this, though. If you marry this man you will be asked to leave the house. Do I make myself clear?"

"Mom, that means you and Dad...everything would be lost."

"Not everything. There is a stipulation that we can take some of the money with us to live on and set up house somewhere else, but the bulk of the estate would be gone, the house included. Tell your fiance that you can't live on the estate, you have no money, and see what he says then."

"Well, Mom, I guess we have a problem then." Kira said, clenching her fists on the steering wheel.

"What's that?"

"We're already married. He's meeting me at the house tonight."

Graduation!!!

2006-08-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

Whoopee! Finally, the day has come!

My present arrived this morning - pearl earrings from Mom and Dad. Mom is coming to the ceremony and the party at the house afterwards. Here's a picture of the earrings.

And yes, I did get my hair done and buy some new clothes. I love the new color, it's a lighter brown than I'm used to, but I love it!

I even got a henna tattoo on my face. Mom wasn't happy about it because you can really see in it my graduation picture, but I thought it was great.

The night before graduation I sat with my roommate, Chandler, and we watched the game. He's kinda cute, and he likes things that I like, but he's just a buddy.

After the party I changed into my regular clothes and drove with Mom back home. I guess I'm now an adult.

I'm going to talk to her about my boyfriend on the way home. We'll have a long time to talk since it's a 6 hour drive. I hope she'll be understanding. We have decided to get married next month.

From Simmer in Charge - Son having blog problems

2006-08-17T03:30:00.000-07:00

My son went to post on his blog and has a problem - we can't remember his username, the email he used or his password! So we had to write to blogger for help. Once he gets information from them he'll post again. If it doesn't work out, then he'll start over. Hopefully this can be fixed soon.

Secret Society

2006-08-17T03:04:00.000-07:00

Mom couldn't believe it when I told here that there really was a secret society on campus! Those people I met, Scott and Aiyana and whatshername, they put me in for membership! I had no idea what was going on at first. I was about to sit in the hot tub for a while to relax when this guy in a limo pulled up and started doing this chicken dance.

The limo took me to this really neat house. Scott was there with some other girl. They gave me a blazer and took my picture.

I roamed around the house for a while, wishing I could live there! They had computers and video games and all these cool gadgets. I thought about getting a nose job while I was there - they had a machine that could do face lifts and surgery with lasers, no doctor needed! But I decided against it, I figured Mom would kill me. But I did find something I really loved!

Not that I really NEED the money, but any amount is better than nothing, right?

Oh, and my boyfriend - my secret one - has asked me to marry him when I graduate! Only one more year to go and I am free to be with the one I love!

Kira at College

2006-08-15T23:18:00.000-07:00

I am loving college! My mom's family owns a house here on campus and everyone in the family attends college at Academie La Tour. I can see why. I love the campus and the classes are great! I'm majoring in Economics. I wanted to be in business, but then I decided to do something different. I think I'll go into politics instead once I graduate.

I've made lots of friends here. I met some people my first day just by hanging around outside. I also went to the Student Center and the Lounge. Yes, I did some studying too, but there is a this great guy that hangs around like a puppy dog. He'll do my homework for me and all I have to do is feed him supper :)

I met Brooke outside the house, she lives in a dorm on campus. She came over for a movie and bowling one night.

I also met this guy, I don't remember his name though. He's pretty cool.

When I went to the Student Center I met a few people with these neat blazers on. I remember seeing some of the same ones in our storage closet back home. Mom said that some of her relatives wore these at college, but she didn't know what they were all about. There were rumors of secret societies on campus, but she thought they were all rumors.

I met Scott, Aiyana, and this other girl. I seriously wish I would quit blanking on names! It's so embarrassing.

I also have a boyfriend, but it's a secret. We kind of started something a while back, but had to keep it quiet because of my age. Now that I'm legal, he still wants to keep it quiet because he wants me to finish college. Plus, he thinks Mom and Dad will be really pi**ed off. But I love him, so I'll do whatever. I know we'll be together after college is over. I explained that in order to keep Mom's house, the one her family has lived in for years, I have to move back there and raise my family there. He said it would be okay, he loves the house as much as I do.

But we have to keep our relationship quiet for now. I'll graduate in 4 years and we can be open about it then.

Lorelai and Robi's Anniversary

2006-08-15T12:53:00.000-07:00

Kira is doing so well in her new school. All the bad memories of the past are slowly fading away. Now that she is doing so well, Robi and I were able to really celebrate our anniversary. I love him so much, I can't believe we've been married now for 16 years!

We went to dinner at a fancy restaurant overlooking the ravine. It was so romantic.

After dinner we went out onto the deck of the restaurant. They had a combo playing, so Robi asked me to dance.

It wasn't long before he grabbed me and pulled me close. I love dancing with my husband.

It was a wonderful anniversary.

Dinner with the Headmaster

2006-08-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

We had dinner with the headmaster 2 days ago. He wasn't very impressed with the house, even though we had books and musical instruments and other study stuff all over the place. He did like Mom's cooking though! We talked and I told him about wanting to go to college. We got along great.

He must have liked us, though, because before he left he shook my hand and welcomed me to Bailey's Ravine College Prep Academy! Today was my first day!

My Birthday By Kira Forbes Charvatt

2006-08-12T15:23:00.000-07:00

My birthday was yesterday. I'm finally a teenager! I never thought this day would come!

It was only a few months ago that I was taken from my family by a woman named Dagmar Bertino. I spent one day with her, scared that I would never see my family again. But my parents showed how much they loved me and came to my rescue. They really do love me and show that every day. I hope I can share that same love with my kids one day.

My party was really cool. Mom and Dad goofed off and made funny faces.

I blew out my candles and I immediately felt different. I knew I was older!

Mom got me a great present! She'd bought some new clothes for me and she paid to have a makeup person come do a makeover for me. I decided to have my hair cut so I wouldn't look so much like a little girl. Mom thinks I look very nice. I can't wait to go to school in my new outfit :)

Since I'm doing so well in school, my counselor suggested to Mom and Dad that I may want to attend private school to better prepare for college. We're meeting with the headmaster of the local private school in two days. I hope I can get in. It's very important to me.

Kira's Story

2006-08-11T17:54:00.000-07:00

The next morning Detective Muller arrived just after breakfast. We sat in the living room to hear Kira tell her story about what happened. Before she spoke, I gave her a big hug and told her how happy I was that she was home with us again.

"Kira, why don't you tell us what happened?" Detective Muller said, opening his notebook once more.

"I met Auntie Dag a few months ago. She was a volunteer at my school. She heard my name and said she knew Mommy and my grandma and grandpa too. We played chess at school together a lot. She said she had some toys at her house she wanted to give me so she asked me to come over. But she said it was a surprise for Mommy and Daddy so I couldn't tell them. I'm sorry, Mommy, I know I shouldn't go anywhere without telling you."

"That's okay, honey. Just explain to the policeman what happened."

"I went to her house after telling Daddy I was going to visit my friend Vonie. I'm sorry, I lied, Daddy." Kira looked at her father and began to cry. I hugged her again and told her everything would be okay.

"When I got to her house she was very happy and she hugged me, just like in school. She said she had always wanted a little girl but wasn't able to have one, and that's why she worked at school, so she could be around kids. She gave me some toys and then gave me dinner. When I started getting dark, I wanted to go home, but she said she had called Mommy and Daddy and that it would be okay for me to spend the night. I got scared then, because I had never spent the night somewhere else before. But she wouldn't let me call home or leave. I slept in her guest room and asked to go home the next morning, but she wouldn't let me. I started to get scared."

"After lunch, I asked to go home again, but she got really mean and said that Mommy and Daddy didn't love me anymore. She said she was going to adopt me and we would be together forever. I got really mad at her then and she made me sit in the guest room all afternoon. Then she said if I was good we would go to the park. I thought if I could get to the park that I could find a policeman to help me get home."

"We went to the park and played chess. I was looking around for a policeman but didn't see one. She wouldn't let me leave, not even to go to the bathroom. She made hamburgers for dinner, but I told her I didn't want one. She yelled at me again and made me cry. After that, I heard the policeman shout at her and then I saw Mommy and Daddy running to me! I was so happy they had found me! But I'm so mad at her for taking me away from you!"

I hugged my daughter close to me once more. "Detective, do you have everything you need? We really need to be alone with Kira now."

"Yes, I think that's got it. Dagmar Bertino will be locked away for a long time now, and she won't have access to anymore of that elixer that was being sold for a while. Apparently she stockpiled it in her house. You shouldn't have any more trouble from her."

"I hope not, Detective," I said, but worry still lurked in back of my mind.

Kira's Missing, part 6

2006-08-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

"We know this is the park nearest to the area from the phone call." Detective Muller said. "Wear these disguises, and keep your head down. We don't want her to see us."

Robi and I were in disguise. We were at Sunshine park, waiting to see if Dagmar would show up with Kira. It had been 24 hours since I'd seen my daughter and my heart broke each time I thought of her.

We sat on a bench and waited, pretending to read the paper. It began to get dark. We were about to give up when I saw a familiar face.

"Robi!" I whispered, grabbing his arm. He looked up from under the brim of his hat. He saw her too. He motioned to the policemen and they began moving around. They wanted to keep Dagmar within their sight.

She made her way over to the chess table with Kira in tow. I watched as they sat down to play.

I ached to run over to her and grab her, but the police were making motions for me to stay back. I was torture, watching my daugher with that woman, the woman who tried to destroy my family now 3 times!

A few minutes later the game ended and Dagmar brought Kira a hamburger to eat. At least I knew he had been eating. I heard her voice over the noise in the park.

"But Auntie Dag, I don't want a burger. I want my mom to make me some spaghetti."

"Be quiet and eat!" Dagmar yelled at my daughter. Kira looked upset and confused, but she began to eat the burger.

"Auntie Dag, when will I go home? I want to see my family." Kira asked after she had finished her dinner.

"I told you, Dear. I'm your family now. Remember."

"But I want to go home!" Kira held out her hands, pleading with Dagmar.

"I've told you to shut up and be quiet! You are home! Your mother doesn't want you anymore! She told me herself!"

My heart broke seeing my little girl's face. "Don't believe her, Kira! I love you so much!" I whispered to her. I saw the police closing in. Suddenly, they leaped out of bushes and from behind buildings. Dagmar saw them and panicked.

"Hands up!" Detective Muller yelled, his gun drawn and aimed at Dagmar.

Her hands in the air, Dagmar knew she was caught. "I knew I should have left this morning!" she said to herself.

I ran over to Kira and hugged her tight. "Oh, my baby! You didn't believe her, did you? Don't you know I love you?"

"Yes, mom, I know. I thought she was nice, but she wasn't. She's a very mean lady."

"Yes, she is. Oh, baby, I'm so glad you're home! You're dad is here too. Let's go home."

Robi met with us and we walked over to Detective Muller.

"We want to go home, Detective," I said.

"I understand that, but we do need to speak to Kira. She needs to tell us what happened."

"Can it wait until tomorrow?"

Detective Muller thought for a moment. "Okay, tomorrow then. We need to hear her story."

I put Kira to bed that night then stood in her room, just looking at her. I was so happy that she was back where she belonged.

Kira's Missing, part 5

2006-08-09T15:30:00.000-07:00

"This is DeeDee Malone reporting from the office of Judge Kirk Richards. Judge Richards presided over the case of Dagmar Bertino over 30 years ago. My grandmother was the reporter on that case, and it seems only fitting that I follow up in her footsteps. Now, Judge Richards, is it true that Dagmar Bertino has now kidnapped the current heir to the Forbes family estate, Kira Charvatt?"

"Yes, DeeDee. Apparently Dagmar contacted Lorelai Forbes Charvatt, Kira's mother, and told her that she had kidnapped her daughter and they would be leaving Bailey's Ravine soon. The police are on the case and have narrowed down the area where they believe Ms. Bertino is living."

"Didn't you request for Ms. Bertino to be released early, Judge Richards?"

"I did, but I had already retired at the time. The current judge didn't believe Ms. Bertino was ready to return to society, so he denied the petition from her and her attorney."

"Were you involved with Ms. Bertino, Judge?"

"Involved? Of course not! That's a ludicrus accusation!"

"Do you think Ms. Bertino will hurt the child?"

"I don't know, Ms. Malone. I just don't know."

"This is DeeDee Malone reporting. Back to you, Bob."

Kira's Missing, part 4

2006-08-08T12:14:00.000-07:00

"Mrs. Charvatt, you did the right thing by calling us." Detective Muller took out his notepad and began to take notes. "You said you received the first call about 8 hours ago?"

"That's right. Kira had come home from school and mentioned going to see a friend. We've called all the friends we know and she's not at any of their houses. Then we got the first call."

"And the person just asked you if you knew where your daughter was?"

"Right, that's all." I slumped onto Robi's shoulder, the tears welling in my eyes. "Please help us find her." I sobbed.

"We will, ma'am, we will." The officer continued to write.

"Then the next call said you should 'ask Eileen'. And you believe this has to do with the Dagmar Bertino case from 30 years ago?"

"Yes, we do, Officer." Robi answered, still holding me tight as I sobbed on his shoulder. "Do you know where Dagmar is now?"

"When you first called I checked it out. She served her time, had her llama licks just like the judge ordered her to, then was released. Your family should have been notified, but there seems to have been a mixup and you never recieved notification that she was out. She was supposed to report to a counselor, but after a few weeks she disappeared. We aren't sure where she's living right now."

"So you don't know her address or anything?" Robi asked.

"No, sir, but we have computer experts and lots of manpower on this case. We'll find your daughter, don't worry. We also have the phone tapped in case she calls back."

At that moment the phone rang. I picked it up, scared to hear the voice on the other end.

"Hello?" my voice shook as I fought back more tears.

"Hello, Lorelai. Did you ask Eileen what was going on?"

"Eileen is dead, Dagmar, but I know all about you!" I yelled into the phone.

"Oh, so she's gone, is she? Too bad. And now that you know who I am, I may as well get to the point. I have your daughter. She is now mine, and you'll never get her back! Eileen was supposed to be my daughter too, she was supposed to be mine and Sean's, yet she turned against me. That's why I had to shoot her."

"Kira isn't yours, she's mine! And I want her back!"

"Hush, now, Lorelai. I'll take good care of your little girl. I guess you won't have an heir in the Forbes family anymore, hmmm?" Dagmar laughed shrilly in my ear.

"If you don't want anything, why are you calling? I want to speak to my daughter!"

"Oh, you won't be hearing from me again. I just wanted you to know that she was safe. She's playing now, she likes to play with the toys in my house, and I thought we'd take a walk to the park later on. She likes to go to the park with me."

Detective Muller made a motion with his hands to keep the call going. He was trying to trace the call as well as listen in. I knew that he was trying to get Dagmar to mention the name of the park.

"Dagmar, I would like to say goodbye to Kira. Could I speak to her please?" I tried to make my voice sound calm as I made the request.

"Ha, do you think I'm stupid? She'll tell you where I am. I won't be here long, either. We'll be moving tomorrow, I think. I hear that Pleasantview is a nice place, or maybe Veronaville? At any rate, you won't be seeing or speaking to Kira again! Have a nice life, Lorelai!"

The phone went silent.

Detective Muller checked the computer screen. "I know the general area where she made the call from. It's not far from her or Kira's school. I can also narrow down the parks she mentioned. We may be able to get her at the park if she does turn up there."

"Please let Kira be okay!" I whispered a prayer and then laid my head on Robi's shoulder.

Kira's Missing, part 3

2006-08-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

Robi and I searched the family history books for hours.

"Robi, I think I found something!" I held out a dusty scrapbook to him, my hand on the page where I found mention of Eileen.

"Eileen Forbes Lam was my great-grandmother. Apparently there was some controversy when she was younger. Her father died in the cemetary out back and apparently the police blamed the family for a while. Then Eileen was attacked a week later. It was then discovered that someone named Dagmar Bertino had killed him. It was in all the papers."

Robi took the book from me and read the newspaper reports someone had pasted onto the pages.

"Do you think this is what all this is about? Where is this Dagmar Bertino now?"

"I'm not sure. I wonder if there is more mentioned about her?" I took the book from Robi and continued flipping through the pages.

"Here is an account of her trial. Apparently it was televised and everything. It was a really big deal. Okay, here it is. Apparently she was convicted."

"So, to find Kira we need to find out what happened to Dagmar Bertino. She could be out of jail by now, it's been long enough."

Suddenly, something hit me out of the blue. Kira's friend, the one she called Auntie Dag!

"Robi, remember Kira mentioning a friend, the one we thought was imaginary?"

"Kind of, why?"

"I think her friend is real. She called her 'Auntie Dag'. I think her friend is Dagmar Bertino!" I jumped up from the attic floor, ready to leave the house and get my daughter.

"But we don't know where she is, Lorelai. She could be in jail, she could be dead by now. It has been a long time."

"But you know that some scientists have discovered a youth potion, right? It can prolong life for however long the person drinking it wants! It can eventually poison a person, but some people have taken it for years! What if Dagmar is drinking this stuff and has been harboring a grudge for all this time." I just knew my theory was correct.

"Lor, I think we need to call the police and share this information with them. They will at least know where Dagmar Bertino is, if she is still around."

I sighed, knowing my husband was right, but still fearing for my little girl's life.

"You're right, Robi. It's time to call the police."

Kira's Missing, part 2

2006-08-06T04:49:00.000-07:00

"It's been over 4 hours since anyone has seen Kira!" I yelled at Robi.

"I'm sorry, Honey, I should have asked her specifically where she was going." Robi tried to console me by giving me a hug.

"We need to call the police! No one has seen her for so long and I'm worried."

"I know, Honey, I agree. Let's call the police."

But before we could pick up the phone, it rang. I looked at Robi, worry etched on my face.

"Maybe it's Kira!" My hand shook as I picked up the phone to answer. "Hello?"

"Hello, Lorelai. It's me again."

"Who are you? Where is my daughter?" I yelled into the phone. Robi saw the look on my face and picked up the extension phone so he could hear as well.

"Oh, you'll find out eventually. She's fine, don't worry about her. We just need to set some rules first."

"Rules? What do you want, money? We'll give you money, just tell me where my daughter is!"

"Patience, Lorelai, patience." The voice on the other line chuckled. "First rule - no cops. I had enough of cops running my life. Your family will pay for what they did to me, oh yes."

"What do you mean? What have we ever done to you?"

"Why don't you ask Eileen?" The voice laughed again, a creepy sound that made chills sliver down my back.

"Eileen?" I asked, but I was speaking into a silent phone - the person had hung up.

Robi hung up the extension and hugged me. "We need to call the police," he said to me.

"He said no cops, Robi. What if he hurts her?" I began to cry.

"Shh." Robi held me tighter. "He won't hurt her. If he wants money, he'll get it. What did he mean by ask Eileen?"

"One of my relatives was named Eileen. Her portrait is in the hallway upstairs. She was pregnant when it was painted, I believe. She's buried in the family cemetery. I think we have some family history books in the attic."

"Why don't you rest for a little while, Lor, and let me look?" Robi asked.

"No, I need to do this." I brushed past him and made my way upstairs. I had to find my daughter and a relative named Eileen was my only clue.

Kira's Missing!

2006-08-05T16:38:00.000-07:00

"Hello?" I answered the phone, expecting one of my friends to be on the other end.

"Is this Lorelai Forbes Charvatt?" a strange voice asked me.

"Yes, it is. May I help you?"

"Do you know where your daughter is?" Then I heard a loud click sound in my ear. I paused for only a moment before calling for my daughter.

"Kira!" I yelled, running through the house and upstairs to her room.

"What's wrong, Lorelai?" Robi, my husband, asked me.

"I just got a strange phone call. They asked if I knew where Kira was. Have you seen her today?" I asked him, worried.

"She said she was going to play with a friend, I forget which one. Let's start calling them, I'm sure we'll find her." Robi tried to reassure me, but I was already very upset.

"Okay, let's do that." I tried to be calm, but fear showed itself in my voice.

From the Simmer in Charge

2006-07-27T16:42:00.000-07:00

I'm going out of town this weekend with my family. I've been busy with work and everthing, so no updates right now. I plan to play next week and finally git r done!

Have a good weekend.

Kira Grows Up

2006-07-20T11:27:00.000-07:00

Kira grew up so fast I didn't have a chance to capture any of her toddlerhood in pictures! She is very smart, just like her Daddy. He wants to get her into private school and a good college. Of course, she'll go to Academie La Tour just like I did, and if her Dad has anything to say about it she'll get a ton of scholarships!

Here she is on her first day of school:

Something is concerning me, though. She says she has a best friend, a lady she called Auntie Dag. The doctor says imaginary friends are normal for her age, so we'll just have to see what happens. I'm sure she'll grow out of it.

Kira Charvatt born

2006-06-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

The Forbes-Charvatt family is happy to announce the birth of Kira Louise Charvatt.

Kira is the eighth generation of the prominent Forbes family to be born in Bailey's Ravine.

Her mother, Lorelai Forbes Charvatt, is doing well and is excited about the birth of her daughter. She issued this statement to the paper:

"I want to thank the wonderful people of Bailey's Ravine for being so kind to my family. We have received many of your beautiful gifts for Kira. This community is the most generous in all of Sim City."

Lorelai's husband, Robbie Charvatt and her father, Isaac Reeves Forbes, is also happy about the birth.

"We are very excited and blessed to have such a beautiful daughter to carry on Lorelai's family." Robbie Charvatt announced from his wife's side.

The following pictures were submitted by the family to the paper upon the birth of Kira Louise.

Lorelai's Wedding

2006-06-26T12:07:00.000-07:00

My wedding was the best day of my life!

I wore a beautiful new dress I bought just for that day. I had my hair and makeup done as well. I wanted to look completely different for the big day.

Robbie and I got married in the chapel on my family's property. It was as lovely as always. As I joined him in the archway at the large windows, I thought about how the other brides in my family must have felt as they stood at this same spot. I looked into Robbie's eyes as we said our vows and couldn't believe all the love I felt at that moment.

Michelle and my dad were there to see me married. It was a wonderful feeling to look out at them clapping for us.

The reception was a blast, a party like only I could throw! We danced and ate such wonderful food. Robbie was so cute when I tried to feed him a piece of cake.

Married life has been wonderful. Robbie likes music just as much and Dad and I, so we love to all play together. We sound pretty good too.

Dad's portrait has been hung on the wall in the hallway upstairs. Mine will join it soon.

I know that Robbie and I haven't been married very long, but we didn't want to wait to start a family. I told them the news tonight - I'm expecting a baby! Robbie and Dad were very happy.

Michelle even came to visit. We had a great talk.

Life is so wonderful right now, I almost feel like something has to happen to make it become terrible.

Generation 7 Finishes College

2006-06-22T18:50:00.000-07:00

Lorelai Forbes here. I cannot believe that I am a college graduate! I never thought it would happen. I couldn't decide on my major, then when I decided I hardly went to class. I just did the papers and stayed home or went on a date.

We remodeled the house with some of our scholarship money.

We put in a bowling alley on the top floor and added some instruments.

The bottom floor is pretty much the same. We still only have one bathroom, which can cause a problem sometimes.

We also added a pool. That has been a lot of fun.

This was Michelle.

She likes to study and be all serious.

This was me.

Always a party!

I had a few interesting dates. One was a professor of mine. He could really play the guitar.

But this guy, he is the one! I know it!

His name is Robbie. He works for the pest control company. I called him out on purpose even when we didn't have any bugs just so I could ask him on a date! Isn't he cute! I love him so much! And he likes to sing just like me.

Michelle also found someone. She's in love with Elise, our pizza delivery girl.

This guy in a Llama costume came over and just walked into our house! Then he hit me with a water balloon!

I so wanted to rip his head off!

Anyway, that was college. We did finish and graduated. Here is Michelle's graduation photo.

I don't have one. I was too busy at my party to have a picture made.

Well, I'm back at home now, and Robbie and I are doing very well. We're planning our wedding, and I hope to have a really nice dress to wear for the event. Michelle and Elise will be there too, and we'll have a great time, I know it. If anything, I know how to throw a party!

I do wish Mom could be here, but since we do live in a haunted house, I'm sure she will be there in spirit.

Comments are Moderated

2006-06-20T19:00:00.000-07:00

I had to turn on comment moderation for the time being. If you have a valid comment about the game, the story line, the blog, please comment. If it's not about the game or the blog then don't bother, the post will just go to cyber heaven.

**I'm keeping this post up top for a while. To see new postings of the story, scroll down.**

Generation 7 Teenagers

2006-06-17T00:52:00.000-07:00

My girls are in high school. I can't believe how quickly the time has passed. They spend their mornings at school, then they come home and work on college applications and skills for their major. Lorelai enjoys cooking and creative things, like me. She likes to play the drums and grow plants in Dom's old plant stand.

Michelle is more active. She enjoys cooking as well, but she especially enjoys working out at the punching bag or swimming in the pool. She said she's going to tackle the obstacle course out back next time she trains.

Both girls enjoy being together and are looking forward to moving into the Forbes house with each other.

When they want to have fun, they like to dance with their friends or play pool in the family room.

They do miss their mother every day. Lorelai likes to visit the cemetery and talk to Cara. The girls have come to me and stated their wishes for the estate. Michelle wants to move on after college and have her own life in an athletics program. Lorelai has said she would be happy to stay in the house to oversee the estate and carry on our family's legacy.

Both girls are concerned about their mother's mental health. What if her problems have been passed down to them? Neither of my girls wants to become angry and unforgiving towards their future children. My answer to them is that they want different things in life than their mother wanted. She wanted a large family, and when her health wouldn't allow that she changed. She also wanted a perfect family, a family who was neat and clean and never disorderly. Well, she married a guy with no neatness skills whatever. I mean, we do have a maid, you know. My no-neatness skills have carried over into my daughters as well, so we're a messy bunch. She just couldn't handle it. I told them to go after their own goals and love their children and it will work out just fine.

**Michelle is popularity and Lorelai is pleasure**

Cara Cracks

2006-06-16T00:39:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe what happened last night. It's too horrible for words.

I got up late because I couldn't sleep. I went into the kitchen for a snack. Cara was in the kitchen. She was crying and pleading with me about having another baby. When I refused to continue the conversation, she took out this huge pair of scissors and started running around the kitchen!

She ran from one side to another, yelling about how I was holding her back.

Suddenly, she dropped the scissors and stared at her hand. She'd cut herself! Before I could reach her she had fallen to the floor and was still.

The girls miss their mother terribly and they don't understand why she would do this to herself. Frankly, I don't understand either. I know Cara wasn't happy here with us. Even though she loved the girls and claimed to love me, she was get furious with us for no reason. Well, she complained a lot about having to clean the bathroom up behind me and the girls, but is that cause to give us the silent treatment for days on end or mope around for weeks and not speak to anyone?

She has been laid to rest in the family cemetery out back, her favorite flowers planted over her grave. I hope she can now find peace.

Cara Speaks

2006-06-15T00:04:00.000-07:00

Hush, little baby, don't say a word...Shh, Flour, Mama is talking.

This is Cara Forbes. I know what my husband has been saying. He says something is wrong with me because I love my daughters and want them to do well in school. He thinks that I spend too much time helping them with homework and not being there for him. Well, that's just not true. Yes, I do have the girls on my mind a lot. Yes, I do help them with homework. If I didn't, Michelle would have failed third grade! He's always off at some party, he's not home to help them, so I have to help them.

He took away my dream, my dream of having 6 kids all get married right here at the chapel. Now I only have my 2 girls, and he tells me only one will inherit his family home. Only one! Why is that? Both my girls are precious little pearls given by God above and both are worthy.

Sometimes I want a baby so badly I can hear one crying out to me, so I have my little Flour. I love my little Flour so much, and she'll never grow up and leave me behind, no she won't, will you little Flour?

Is that so crazy? If I'm crazy, he made me that way, bringing me home to this haunted house where I can't sleep for an hour without some ghost scaring me or sticking their head through the refrigerator or floating up the stairs and looking at me. I'm scared that Isaac is going to let the ghosts have me. I told him that one night and he said "Don't be silly, we already have a pink ghost." Then he went out to a party. A pink ghost? What does that mean? Does it mean he'll get rid of me some other way and I'll be a colored ghost floating through this house, just like the others before me?

I have seriously thought about leaving Isaac, but I can't leave my girls, so I'll stay. I love them too much to leave them here in this house alone. But my little Flour will always be with me, won't you Flour?

The Twins Go to School

2006-06-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

Lorelai and Michelle began school today. Aren't they beautiful?

Michelle is the one on the left with the short hair. She was tired and didn't want to go to school. Lorelai was happy and excited.

Cara is really beginning to concern me. She has thrown herself even more into the girl's life since they are beginning school. She has met the principal and the teachers, she volunteers at their classroom, she helps them with homework. When she's not doing that, she's still carrying around her flour sack. I think she needs to see the doctor again, but she insists that nothing is wrong. She is almost totally ignoring me now. I can't kiss her or touch her without her moving away. She hides in the bathroom and cries. It's like her entire mind is caught up in the girls and that's all that matters to her. I love my girls too, but I also love my wife and need her with me just as much as the girls need a mother. I don't know what to do.

The Girls Grow Up

2006-06-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how fast my girls are growing! It seemed like only a few days passed before we had their party and they became toddlers.

Lorelai is my girly girl. She likes dresses and and all things pink.

For some reason someone gave us a little toddler tuxedo for Michelle. It's a bit strange, but she likes it. She's our little tomboy.

I have to admit I'm worried about Cara, though. Since deciding not to have more children, she is throwing herself into the twins life. She is constantly teaching them things, how to walk, talk, potty training them. We have a nanny to help out, but Cara insists on doing most of the care herself. The problem is that she tends to ignore me. I try to kiss her and she asks me something about the girls. Sometimes she walks around with a dazed look on her face, carrying a flour sack. She says nothing is wrong, but I think she's hiding something from me.

Generation 7 is here!

2006-06-12T23:49:00.000-07:00

Cara's pregnancy was hard on her. She was sleepy all the time and sometimes couldn't decide whether to sleep or eat. She was passing out all the time from exhaustion.

However, it was all worth it when she finally went into labor. And we got a surprise at the hospital! The doctor's never knew from the ultrasound, but Cara had twins!

We have twin girls - Lorelai and Michelle Forbes.

They have brown hair and brown eyes just like Cara's.

Cara really wants to have more kids, but after seeing what this pregnancy did to her I'm not sure we should. After telling her that I thought we out to just let the twins be it, she cracked up. She was under a doctor's care for a while, but she's home now and much better.

I'm sad to say that just before we were able to announce our happy news, my mom, Lauren Forbes, passed away. I really wish my girls had been able to know her.

***Note from simmer in charge - I'm naming alphabetically, and after the twins were born I realized I skipped the letter K! So the next child born will be named with a K. Now, who to pick for heir?***

Generation 7 Begins

2006-06-11T00:30:00.000-07:00

Cara and I had a beautiful wedding. We went shopping for wedding clothes first, but Cara couldn't find anything she really liked. She did find this really pretty silver gown, so she bought that as her wedding dress. Mom was at the wedding too, but her outfit was a little strange.

We took off to Hawaii for our honeymoon. We stayed there about a week. I came back and started a new job. I really don't have to work, but I met this girl who told me all about how she was a professional party guest. She shows up at these parties filled with celebrities and all sorts of important people. She helps add to the headcount of these parties so that when they're written up in the society pages it sounds like a really important party. It sounded pretty interesting, so I decided to go into that line of work myself. I'm having to start at the bottom, though, and learn as I go.

Cara is staying home with Mom and taking care of the house. Soon after we got back, we talked about starting a family and decided to start immediately.

We went downtown shopping for clothes and Cara got her hair and makeup done while we were out as well. Isn't she beautiful?

Soon after I recieved my first promotion, Cara called to tell me her news. We're expecting!

College Ends

2006-06-10T02:28:00.000-07:00

Isaac Forbes here.

College is now over and I'm heading back home to Bailey's Ravine. I'll be marrying Cara soon and we'll begin our life at my family's estate. I will miss college, though.

After Jackson's breakdown when Ariyana refused him, he was surprised when she showed up one day and apologized. She said she loved and wanted to be with him.

Jackson kissed her then and there and proposed immediately. Ariyana said yes and moved into our house to attend college with us.

We all had a blast at the house during school. We hung out all the time at the bubble machine. Ariyana started a few fires while cooking lunch and Jackson got her hooked on grilled cheese sandwiches just like he was. We all liked hanging out with each other, eating Jackson's grilled cheese sandwiches he would make for lunch. We had a big lunch together when our housemate Renee got back from her trip to Mexico.

One night our house got robbed! It was pretty scary, but the police caught the burglar.

Too soon, though, it was time to graduate. This is me at my graduation party.

Jackson didn't want a party, so he came home right after graduation. He and Ariyana are buying a house nearby.

He told me that while he was in school, he couldn't wait to start a family with Ariyana.

I'm looking forward to the same with Cara. I know Mom will be pleased that her matchmaking worked with us.

College Begins

2006-06-08T05:17:00.000-07:00

Isaac Forbes here. College is so great. I love the remodeled house that our family owns.

I do miss Dad, though. I wish he could be here to see the house and everything. I especially want him to meet Cara. Mom actually set me up with her. She met her one day while out shopping. Cara is a waitress downtown. She and Mom hit it off, so she invited her over one day to introduce us to each other. We hit it off too and I see Cara almost daily.

We have been having such a good time together that I asked her to marry me.

Jackson has joined me here at Academie La Tour. He has a girl too, and he really likes her. The only thing is she considers him a friend only.

When he tried to kiss her, she broke it to him. He took it hard, though, and got depressed and started eating. He was eating a grilled cheese sandwich when he said the strangest thing. "If she doesn't want me, grilled cheese will!" Then he went on and on about the perfect melting of the cheese, the crispiness of the bread. Now whenever he does the cooking we get grilled cheese.

I finally convinced him to meet someone else, so he called up the matchmaker gypsy and asked for her help. He met Tana.

They like each other okay, but his heart will always be Ariyana's.

Goodbye Frank

2006-05-31T18:04:00.000-07:00

It is with sad news that I, Lauren Reeves Forbes, must announce the death of my husband, Frank Forbes.

He was a wonderful man who loved me with all his heart while turning away the desires I know he was feeling for others. He swore to me when we married that he would not be like his mother and I can say for a fact that Frank was a faithful and honest husband to me.

His son, Jackson, was with me when he passed, as our son Isaac had left to attend college and wasn't able to return home. Only with Jackson's help was I able to calm down after Frank's passing.

I am thankful that Frank had time with his alien son and was able to right the wrongs he felt had been done by his indifference at Jackson's birth. Jackson has grown into a wonderful young man and will soon join his half-brother at college.

We had a small funeral at the family cemetary yesterday. It is now with great regret that I must say goodbye to my dear Frank.

Life Moves On

2006-05-29T02:00:00.000-07:00

Lauren named the alien baby Jackson after her father. She had to do this because I slipped into a depression shortly after his birth. She and Dom enjoyed the baby, but I couldn't bring myself to touch him often. I would sometimes help out, but it was rarely. Lauren ended up asking Nanny Calista to help out with Jackson as well as Isaac.

Isaac enjoyed his baby brother and was happy to have a new family member, even though he came from a strange place. When Isaac would have friends home from school they always asked him about the abduction and wanted to see the baby.

Before I knew it Isaac became a teenager. His days were filled with studying and preparing for college, but he also helped out with Jackson as he grew into a toddler.

Even with a doctor's help I didn't easily come out of my depression. It wasn't until Jackson grew into a child - faster than a human child - that I began to accept him and heal. It also coincided with my birthday as an elder. Life was different from that point. I spent more time with Jackson and even tucked him in at night.

Lauren also grew older, but still remained beautiful to me.

My step-father, Dom, wasn't so lucky. Shortly after he became an elder, he was found in the yard near the family cemetary. The house had always been rumored to be haunted, even Isaac had mentioned seeing a ghost or two and I swore a few times I had seen my mother near the bedrooms upstairs. When we found Dom, he was barely breathing. His last words to me were, "She's here!" before he passed away. He was found near my mother's headstone.

Maybe we'll see Dom's ghost one day as well.

Frank Takes a Trip

2006-05-29T01:30:00.000-07:00

I was out on the observation deck with my telescope when suddenly a light shone out of the sky. I was caught up in a gravitational pull that I couldn't break. Dom was outside with a date and he ran up the stairs of the deck to help me, but was unable to pull me down.

The entire family watched in horror as I was sucked into an alien spacecraft.

Lauren said only about 12 hours had passed before I returned to them. It felt like much longer to me. She told me that a terrible noise drove them outside of the house. That was when the ship returned.

I was dropped from the ship onto the street in front of the house. The family was so happy to have me back.

Life resumed as normally as possible for us. However, I started having strange food cravings and got pretty fat.

Lauren made me go to a doctor, but they didn't know what was wrong with me.

Suddenly, a few months after my abduction, I woke one night in terrible pain. At the end of my ordeal was a baby boy.

Lauren was thrilled at the chance to be a mother to a baby again. I didn't know how to feel. I'd begun to get over the fear of the alien craft and had been thinking of using the telescope once more. Now I had a green baby to remind me of the things that they did to me while I was on board the ship.

I'm just not sure how to handle this situation just yet.

Generation 6 - child years

2006-05-28T02:14:00.000-07:00

Frank Forbes here. Just a quick catch up on what life has been like recently.

Isaac grew up quickly. He became a toddler with a big appetite. His favorite toy was his talking bunny.

Lauren began spending a lot of time with Isaac. She spent a long time trying to teach him how to talk.

He was also cared for my old nanny, Calista, but in a pinch our maid Lucy would chip in. A fire began in the kitchen one day and Lucy grabbed Isaac and took him outside.

Before I knew it Isaac became a child and began school and Lauren was spending more time helping him with homework.

Lauren is such a wonderful mother. It's so unfortunate that she couldn't have any more children after Isaac was born. She dotes on our son and almost spoils him.

One night while going to bed Isaac claimed he saw a ghost. He slept in our bed that night because he was too scared to go back to his room.

No one believed him, at first.

My stepfather, Dom, started a new hobby. I didn't think it would amount to anything, but he's made some money from it.

Life was good. We missed Mom, but we enjoyed our life together with our son. My half brothers would come over to visit often, and Isaac also started making friends and getting good grades. Then one night, something happened to me.

Life and Death

2006-05-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

As we were preparing to receive a new member to our family, we lost Mom. It was very unexpected. She had gotten a job in the athletics career and was pushing herself way too hard. She got sick with pneumonia, but didn't stop going to work like the doctor told her to. She passed away one morning just after getting out of bed.

Her will left me the house and our money, of course, but she also stipulated that Dom could stay in the house as long as he wanted. He's happy living here with us and it's fine with Lauren and I, so he can stay. He sure did get over Mom fast, though. Right after her funeral he started dating again. He reminds me of Mom when she was younger. This is my step-dad, Dom.

Soon after Mom's death, Lauren and I welcomed our son - Isaac Adam Forbes, named for one of my great-grandfathers.

Lauren was able to quit her job to stay home with Isaac. Soon I was able to do the same. We enjoy being home with our family. While Isaac naps Lauren paints and I play music. She's already painted a portrait of me for the family wall upstairs.

Dom decided he didn't have to work either. He's living off the Forbes money while he dates everyone in town. When he's not running all over the place he has a little garden he likes to tend sitting in our den. He does help with Isaac, though.

Sometimes when I'm upstairs I'll see a figure move past me. I swear it looks like Mom. There have been reports of ghosts in the house before, so who knows?

Another Forbes Marriage

2006-05-24T22:45:00.000-07:00

After I moved in, I invited my girlfriend, Lauren Reeves, to move in with me. Mom liked her right off the bat.

We decided to get married right away. I invited my half brothers, Greg and Henry. Mom and her husband Dom were there too.

We had a great time at our reception. We danced and ate and drank a toast with my brothers.

After our honeymoon, we went to work. Lauren got a job with the military and I got one as a burglar.

These past few months have been wonderful. I never thought I could be so happy. Mom is happy with Dom, and we've finally made peace with each other. Lauren has also told me some happy news - she's pregnant!

College Ends

2006-05-23T14:56:00.000-07:00

Frank Forbes here. Boy, it's been an amazing time at college.

I continued with my studies but my main goal was to find my father. My mom had given me ideas on who it may have been. By speaking with some of her old flames I was able to narrow it down. Finally, by speaking to this guy named Jake, I found out about Professor Andrew McGaw.

My roommate, Renee, had a class with the professor, so she invited him over. She did tell me that I seemed to remind her of someone. Once she saw me with the professor she was positive that he was my father.

We talked for a while, then I told him that I was Eileen Forbes' son and I told him how old I was. He looked very surprised, but then happy. He had no idea that I even existed.

We ate dinner together that night and talked a lot. I really like him. Then I thought of something. Without telling him, I called Mom and invited her over. She had no idea that he was there.

Mom followed Professor Andrew out back to the bubble machine. She didn't look very happy at first, but then they started talking.

We may never be a perfect family, but I'm glad that all of this is now behind us. I have asked Lauren to marry me. I graduated the other day and and soon as I get moved back into the main house Lauren will join me.

Here is my graduation photo:

Greg and Henry didn't have a very good senior year, though. Greg passed his first senior semester, but Henry didn't. He had a nervous breakdown. Greg had to help him with his homework the next semester so that Henry would pass and finally be able to graduate the next semester.

Greg graduated a semester after me, with Henry following.

For some reason I didn't get a picture of myself before I moved back home. That will come later, I guess, but Greg and Henry sent me some pictures taken just after the graduation party.

Here's Greg -

And here's Henry -

As for me, I'm in the process of moving into the big house again with Mom and her husband, Dom. Lauren will join me soon, and after we're married the legacy will continue. Hopefully Mom and I can salvage our relationship. Greg and Henry will be living with their dad nearby. I'm sure I'll see them often.

It's time to get started on the next phase of my life.

**Note - The twins did graduate college with barely any help from me. I did take over for Henry a few times, without checking his needs or wants, and had him build up skills so that he wouldn't fail a second semester. Now it's time to go back to the Kody house and decide who will be the controlled and who will be the free will sims.

I re-rolled Frank after his sophmore year, hoping to get something that I haven't already had since he was a knowledge with a mad scientist want. I ended up with ANOTHER romance sim who wanted to woo-hoo with 20 sims. Not gonna happen again, though. Lauren, the pizza girl, is a family sim but I don't know her ultimate want yet. Soon, though, Generation 6 will be on the way.**

New post coming soon

2006-05-19T10:13:00.000-07:00

From the simmer in charge...

I have been playing and taking pictures, just not posting. I will have an upcoming post today or tomorrow. Lots of things have happened - Frank found his biological father, he's in love and ready to get married, and we'll see how 2 crazy guys do in college without being controlled by the simmer in charge :) Frank also has a new aspiration, so we'll see how things go with that change in his life as well.

I got a new video card as well. It's a GE Force 4000 with 128 MG of Ram. It makes such a difference! The game runs so much faster, the colors are deeper and there is a lot more detail than before. I really love it!

Gotta get some pictures cropped!

Fun at College

2006-04-09T22:00:00.000-07:00

From simmer in charge - While Frank is searching for his father, I thought I'd show what the Kody boys are up to at college. I'm playing Frank only, not the twins. I have only selected them a few times - to choose a major that I rolled for instead of looking at wants and to make them do an assignment at least once per semester. Even by doing this they are doing well and even made Bs during the first part of freshman semester!

They play together a lot:

Both boys had a fight with Eileen when she came to visit:

And they paint and play the computer:

They also clean a lot, so I'm not really worried about their skill building. They seem to be doing fine left on their own :) The only thing is that they don't like to go to bed. They stay up all night and go to bed at 7am. They get up just before having to leave for class. For some reason there is 1 bed that no one likes to sleep in. I tested it with Frank and it's accessible, just no one sleeps there. Henry will sleep in 1 bed in the room, then Greg will sleep in Frank's bed in his room after Frank has left for the day. It's very strange.

Frank's Search Begins

2006-04-09T21:46:00.000-07:00

My name is Franklin Sean Forbes. My mother is Eileen Forbes Lam, heiress to the Forbes family estate. She tells me I am the heir of the estate. But I don't know if I want to be the heir. Before I can decide that, I need to find out who my father is.

My mom loves guys. She makes no secret of it, even though it bothered me and my half-brothers. I like my brothers, but sometimes I'm jealous of them because they know who their dad is. They live with him, they have a relationship with him. I have no clue where I came from. I need to know that about myself.

I recently moved from my mom's house - I can't seem to think of it as mine - and I'm attending college at Academie La Tour, the same college my mom and all my relatives have attended. The family has a house here. It's kept up by various college students over time so that it's not neglected. This year, though, the house sitter has left for the semester, so it's just me and my half-brothers, Greg and Henry, living here.

I decided to start the search for my father here on campus. My mom was a recent graduate when she became pregnant with me, so I thought that I may get some answers while here.

I started with one of my professors. She remembered Mom, but wasn't sure who she was dating while in college. "Although you do look very familiar to me," she told me.

I also spoke to Goopy Boyle. He's a few years older than me and is a 2nd year senior here at Academie La Tour. He makes money as the mascot for the school team. He dated my mom for a while when I was a kid. Yep, my mom dated a guy only a few years older than me. How sad is that? I asked him if he knew anything about who may possibly be my dad, but I think he was confused.

"Your dad? Dude, I'm like only 4 years older than you!"

"No, Goopy. Do you remember Eileen, my mom? Do you know who she may have dated before I was born? Did she ever mention anyone in particular?"

"Yeah, man, I remember Eileen. She's hot!"

"Goopy, that's my mom."

"Oh, right, Dude. Let's see, I know she dated a bunch of guys, we weren't exclusive, ya know. But ya know, kid, you were about 14 or so when I dated your mom, so I don't think I can tell you anything, really."

"Okay, thanks Goopy."

"But you do look kinda familiar. Let me think it over and get back to you."

So the Professor and Goopy both think I look familiar? I wonder why? My dad must be someone at the college then, since 2 people at the college think I look similar to someone.

Mom did give me a list after I asked her to. She didn't really want to, but her therapist said it may do her some good to face all the men she'd been with. I think I have the list narrowed down to 5 men -

Castor Nova

Serdar Ng

Dominique Lam

Jake Grundstrom

Professer Andrew McGaw

and Armando Johnson, her old roommate.

Dominique is the guy she just married. They were college sweethearts, but I don't think he's my dad. I'll talk to him anyway, then I need to track down the rest and speak to them.

Eileen's Wedding

2006-04-09T21:33:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe how long it took this pictures to come back from the photographer! I will never hire that person ever again!

The ceremony and reception were so beautiful. It was such a lovely wedding. Dom wrote his vows for me himself. It was very romantic.

At the reception we danced for a long time. Our first dance was a slow waltz to our favorite song. Then we danced the Smustle with Dom's friend, Erin.

The cake and food were fabulous! I really need to use that caterer again. Dom was really surprised when I shoved the cake in his mouth!

We drank cider at the wedding since I was determined to continue with my abstinance from alcohol. We had some lovely toasts given by our friends.

Unfortunately, only Greg showed up at the wedding, and not even as a guest. He came and ate before asking me for money. He felt that I had sent him away to live with his poor father, but that wasn't true. I was paying for his college tuition and was helping his father with child support. Greg doesn't know all of that, though. We talked for a while and I gave him some money before he went back to college.

And here we are - Mr. and Mrs. Dom Lam -

Fun at the Kody house

2006-03-30T02:59:00.000-08:00

From the simmer in charge...

Greg and Henry are now teenagers and they have decided to live with their biological father, Wyatt Kody, through their high school years. I read about the "I'm surrounded by idiots challenge" and decided to do something like this at the Kody household.

For this challenge, I only control 1 sim. I have chosen to control Wyatt only. The boys are on their own :) I normally don't have a problem letting my sims do whatever in some cases, but according to the rules of this challenge I cannot even LOOK at their wants or needs. If I need to make them do something, then Wyatt has to interact with them to try to make them do whatever. So, here are a few pictures of the first week at the Kody house. I'll be playing this house intermittently while also playing Frank at college and Eileen's wedding coming up on the first.

First, we have the crazy twins, Greg and Henry, on their teenager birthday - this was taken at the legacy house before they moved.

We also have another picture from the legacy house on moving day with their Dad, Wyatt and Mom, Eileen.

Then off they go to their Dad's small lot in Bailey's Ravine. No more video arcade, pool table, pool, or fancy stuff. A single dad lives light.

What do sims do when the controller doesn't give them commands? On the first day, the house is built and furnished. Dad gets a job and starts skilling while the boys sit outside and talk - for hours.

Some people come to visit. For some reason, Daphne Forbes (Chloe Forbes' sister, Eileen's aunt) freaks out as soon as she reaches the property. She also seems to not be feeling well as she runs to the bathroom to throw up often.

Dominique also comes to visit and tells Wyatt about the upcoming wedding. "Oh, no!" he says. "But I love Eileen!"

The boys talk to the guests without being commanded. They even made a meal and cleaned up the kitchen.

When the boys get tired, they lay down wherever. Greg chose the couch instead of the bed behind him. Henry sleeps in a bed.

For fun, the boys watch TV and sit on the couch. Henry also likes to jump on the couch...a lot.

He jumps on the couch for hours until Wyatt talks to him and breaks the cycle. He also likes to kick the Flamingos next to the house.

On Saturday, before Wyatt went to work, I had him call and invite Eileen over to spend some time with her boys. They don't have a good relationship with her either so I wanted to work on that before the wedding. Wyatt greeted her, then went off to work. The boys talked to her, played games, and even made a meal and cleaned up. They had a good time with her - all without being controlled.

So the boys are doing fine without a controller. I have to admit it is hard not to look at their stats, but it's getting easier. I have to figure out things like how can Wyatt wake them for school and get them to take a shower? It's difficult, but challenging.

Some may ask how do you get them to do homework without selecting them? Wyatt has to go to the homework and choose "help with homework", then chooses a child. I take them in turns. This gets them to complete 1 notebook.

The rules state I can select them 1 time during a life stage, but I cannot look at the wants or needs when I select them for a command. However, I've adjusted that for myself for once a week, so I have to make it count. I had to make Henry go to school one day because he was low on something and didn't want to go. Wyatt had to make him stop jumping on the couch and catch the bus. However, when Wyatt gets a car, if it looks like the boys will be late or not want to go he can use the car to take them to school, so I shouldn't have to select them again for running late.

So, that's the first week of fun at the Kody house. Remember to let your sims play by themselves sometimes. You never know what they may do :)

**Wyatt Kody, family sim, LTW have a golden anniversary.
Greg Forbes, Pleasure, LTW to be celebrity chef.
Henry Forbes, Knowledge, LTW to max out 7 skills. **

Eileen Forbes to Marry

2006-03-29T00:05:00.000-08:00

Bailey's Ravine Times

Eileen Forbes happily announces her engagement. The wedding will take place on April 1 of this year. Ms. Forbes is the daughter of the late Chloe Forbes and Sean McGaw Forbes.

The ceremony will take place at the family chapel on the Forbes estate. Ms. Forbes three children, Frank, Greg and Henry, will take part in the ceremony. The couple will continue to live at the estate after the ceremony.

Ms. Forbes was the victim of a shooting last month. The attacker was discovered to be former mail carrier Dagmar Bertino. Ms. Bertino is currently at SimState Prison serving a sentence of 25 years plus 200 llama licks per day. Her case is up for appeal.

Picture supplied by Eileen Forbes.

Dear Frank...

2006-03-28T00:10:00.000-08:00

I hope you are doing well at college. I don't speak to you enough on the phone. I'd like to hear from you more often.

I'm sure you've heard the news about Dagmar. She is in jail and will finally be punished for hurting our family! Maybe we can put our relationship back together now that this is all over. What do you say?

You will be reading in the paper soon that I am engaged! I don't know if you've met him. His name is Dominique. I've known him since college. He recently looked me up and we hit it off just like in the old days. The wedding will be on April 1. I sent you an invitation, but I'm sure you know that you are welcome to come. I'd like you and your brothers to be in the wedding.

Greg and Henry have decided to live with their father while they go through high school. I think it's a good thing. They need to have a better bond with him. They should be joining you at college in a few years.

Here are some pictures that Dominique had set made of his proposal. He had this all set up for me. We'd just come back to the house after a date. He's a really romantic guy. Come to the house soon so you can meet him before the wedding, okay?

First we danced to some jazz on the radio.

Then he got down on one knee!

Of course I said yes!

And this is the photo you will see in the paper...

I'm very happy son, and I promise that my ways are mended. I truly love Dominique and will be with him for the rest of my life.

Love, Mom

***Dominique, Romance Sim, Taurus, 5 sloppy, 5 shy, 3 lazy, 8 playful, 4 grouchy. LTW - Woohoo with 20 sims -- I did that once with Eileen and I ain't doing it again! Dom will just have to be faithful :) **

Dagmar's Trail - part 2

2006-03-27T12:15:00.000-08:00

This is DiDi Malone with SimCourt TV. We are here for the judge's ruling on Dagmar Bertino and to find out her sentence.

Will she be in jail for life as was the deal she made? Will she be confined to a hospital for therapy due to her alleged mental state? What will the judge decide? Only he knows for sure. Oh, here he comes!

The judge is sitting at his podium and picking up his notes.

"I do not believe your story, Ms. Bertino. I do not believe that you were at any time confused by a love potion. "

Uh, oh, Dagmar and her attorney look worried!

"I believe that you acted willfully and under your own power. You knew what you were doing. Mr. Forbes turned you down, and you retaliated like a spurned lover."

"Now, wait just a minute, Judge. We have medical reports, we have experts who can testify!"

"One more outburst and you will be in contempt, young man! Dagmar Bertino, you are hereby sentenced 200 daily llama licks during your next 25 years in jail!"

Look's like they are surprised! The llama licking law hasn't been upheld since...well, since I can remember! Attorney George Law is incensed!

Looks like the prosecuting attorney is happy about winning.

Dagmar is being taken back to the questioning cell with her attorney. Let's see if we can peek in on them and see what they are talking about...

"George, I really want to get out of here. Can you help me?"

"I don't know, Dagmar. I'm worried. I'm filing an appeal right away."

"Miss, you can't be here. You gotta move."

"Oh, okay. Sorry, I was looking for the ladies room, ya know. Okay, well this is DiDi Malone signing off for now. Will George Law file an appeal? Will Dagmar be licked by a llama? You can bet that SimCourt TV will be there!"

Dagmar's Trial - pt 1

2006-03-26T11:17:00.000-08:00

This is Correspondent DiDi Malone reporting for SimCourt TV outside the gate of SimState Prison. We will be broadcasting the trial of former mail carrier Dagmar Bertino. She was arrested last month and charged with the murder of Sean McGaw Forbes, a prominent member of Bailey's Ravine society. She is also charged with the attempted murder of Mr. Forbes' daughter, Eileen. Let's go into the court room now.

Here you see the prosecuting attorney, Luke Andrews. On the right of the courtroom is the defendent, Dagmar Bertino, and her attorney, George Law.

Oops, court is in session. Here is Judge Kirk Richards. He will be presiding over the trail today.

The prosecution is about to begin his opening statment...

"Your honor, you will find during this trial that Ms. Bertino has confessed to murdering Mr. Sean Forbes and subsequently attacking his daughter. Evidence shows that Mr. Forbes was struck about the body several times. This physical attack resulted in a heart attack and was followed by his death. Ms. Eileen Forbes was on her property when she was ruthlessly struck down by a bullet from Ms. Bertino's gun. Upon Ms. Bertino's confession, she admitted where the gun was hidden. Forensics tests show that this gun was used in the beating of Mr. Forbes and was the gun fired at Ms. Eileen Forbes."

The attorney placed the gun as evidence on the judge's podium.

"Thank you, Mr. Andrews. You may begin opening statments, Mr. Law."

"Judge Richards, yes, Ms. Bertino has confessed to these crimes. However, these crimes were committed while she was under the influence of an apparent love potion that was sold to her by a vagrant gypsy woman. She believed herself to be in love with Sean Forbes. When he refused her advances, this love potion caused conflicting emotions in Ms. Bertino. She lashed out and in the process killed this man who was her friend. She is deeply regretful for his death."

"Mr. Law, how can you explain the attack a week later on Ms. Forbes? Surely this 'effect' didn't last a week?"

"But sir, it did. These medical reports show that this potion affected Ms. Bertino's brain chemistry. These changes are irreversable. She now understands that what she did was wrong, however the changes that were made to her brain can only be treated in hospital care and therapy. She is not mentally capable of handling prison."

The defense attorney is placing the medical reports on the judge's podium.

The judge is looking over the documents.

"Ms. Bertino, why don't you tell me what happened. I've read your statement, but I'd like to hear your words."

"Yes, Judge. Mr. Forbes was very polite to me, and we became friends. I wanted to be much more, so on the advice of a friend I purchased a love potion from a gypsy that hangs around downtown. I took the potion and went to see Sean that night. I knew he liked to walk around the family cemetery and be alone sometimes. I am ashamed to admit I threw myself at him. But he turned me down. Then I just snapped and pulled out my gun. He struggled with me and the gun went off, but the bullet flew into the air. He was on the ground, and I just started hitting him, over and over again. I just don't know what came over me."

"I ran away and went home. I was very sick. I had a fever and I hallucinated. I didn't know that Sean had died, but I dreamed of his ghost coming for me. When I discovered his death, I knew I had to see the grave, I had to have proof. I went to the estate and went to the cemetery. I cried over his grave. Then his daughter came home from a date. This feeling of hatred just washed over me. I couldn't explain it. I went around to the front of the house and watched her and her date. They were right there in the car, in front of everyone! I knew she had to die. I pulled out my gun, and when she got out of the car and went to the mailbox, I took the shot."

The judge is thinking about what Dagmar has said.

"I will go to my chambers to deliberate. I will return in the morning at 9am with my decision and your sentencing".

The judge is leaving the courtroom. Ms. Bertino and her attorney are going back to her jail cell. This is an exciting case! Be sure to check back tomorrow to discover the sentencing!

General Update and Upcoming Events

2006-03-25T09:25:00.000-08:00

So much has happened in the last few weeks.

The twins had a birthday and started school. Here is their picture. Greg is in the red shirt and Henry is in the orange. Sometimes they like to switch their clothes around so I mix them up. They think it's funny :)

I worked in the family cemetery the other day with our gardener. I decided to take a picture of it. I want to make it a peaceful place for my ancestors to rest.

The big news, of course, is Dagmar's trial next week. I don't know if I'm going to go. It will be difficult to see her, knowing what she did. I'll have to think about it.

Frank keeps asking about his father.

I finally told him the truth - that I didn't know who is father was. I told him about the drinking and the men I dated when I was younger. While I do still date, he does admit that it's not as often, especially since the twins were born. I guess I am more picky now that I'm older. Anyway, Frank says he wants to know who these men were. He wants to find them and see if they are his father. I don't know how I feel about that. I mean, I want him to find meaning in his life, but what is he going to do? Go up to each guy and say "My mom slept with you about 18 years ago. Can you do a blood test to see if you're my dad?"

Frank will be going off to college as soon as Dagmar's trial is over. He says he will start the search there. Maybe after he closes this part of his life, then we can repair our relationship as well.

**Dagmar's trial - Part 1 will be posted tomorrow!

Twins stats - Both Aries, 6 neat, 9 outgoing, 6 active, 4 serious and 3 grouchy. They are exactly alike!**

Birthdays and More

2006-03-25T08:49:00.000-08:00

It has been crazy in this house! The twins are now toddlers and they get into everything!

This is Greg...

And this is Henry...

Wyatt still comes by about once a week to see them.

Frank doesn't like me very much right now. I was on a date with Ron and he just went off! He is now a teenager and is asking a lot about his father. How can I tell him that I don't know who he is? He actually called me a slut the other day! How can I explain my feelings about men to my son, for goodness sake?

Here is a picture that I took of Frank on his birthday. Whenever I look at it, I am reminded of someone. I guess that would make sense, though, since I obviously dated and boinked the kid's dad.

Frank really wants to go to college. He also said he's going to find his father. I don't know how he plans to do that. God, when I think about all the lovers I've had since college...

**Franklin Forbes, knowledge Sim, LTW - Mad Scientist, Sagitarius, 0 neat, 9 outgoing, 10 active, 10 playful, 3 grouchy. I plan to re-roll him in college since I already have a knowledge ancestor who was a mad scientist.**

Eileen Home Again

2006-03-23T11:40:00.000-08:00

I'm back home! I'm so happy to be here, but I miss Mom. I spent time with all my kids as soon as I got back. They are growing up so fast! I just love blowing raspberries on the babies' tummies, and Frank told me about staying with Nanny Calista after I went back to the hospital after Mom's funeral.

Wyatt came over, just as he said he would. He wasn't thrilled with the idea of having 2 kids with me, but he did help out with them.

I introduced him to Greg first, since he needed a diaper change.

After Greg's diaper was taken care of, Wyatt held him for a while then fed him his bottle.

Wyatt told me before he went home that he knows I'll do a good job with our kids and he'll help out whenever he's needed. I thanked him for that, it meant a lot to me.

I'd been seeing a lot of Amin since meeting him at the hospital, but he got mad at me because I met Ron Yang and flirted a little bit.

Isn't Ron just a great looking guy? He's got this dangerous vibe going on. He told me I looked great to be a mom of 3 kids. I got my hair done and got a new bathing suit before he came over for a date. I really am feeling much better and I feel fabulous. Of course, attention from a man doesn't hurt either :)

Amin will come around, they always do. They just can't stay away

My doctor tells me that men are another addiction for me. He suggests that while I'm learning to live a sober life that I hold off on men, maybe for a year or so. I don't think I can do that. They are too much fun :)

Truthfully, though, I have thought about getting married recently. I'm still in touch with Dominique, my old college sweetie. Who knows what could happen there?

**Note from Simmer in charge - legitimate comments are welcome, that's why anyone can post. However, all comments are read and spam comments will be deleted :) If you don't have anything to say about the post, then say nothing :)**

Obituary, Chloe Forbes

2006-03-22T07:06:00.000-08:00

Chloe Forbes, Bailey's Ravine's own Captain Hero, passed away at her home at 101 Forbes Lane early yesterday.

Mrs. Forbes is the 4th generation member of the prominent Forbes family, founded by Dr. Mark Forbes, to live at the estate on Forbes Road.

Chloe is survived by her daughter, Eileen, and her grandchildren Frank, Greg, and Henry. She is also survived by her brother, Pierce, and her sister Daphne.

A public memorial service will be held next week. The date will be announced in tomorrow's edition. A family funeral was held today at the family cemetery.

Many citizens may remember Mrs. Forbes from her involvement in the investigation of her husband's mysterious death and the subsequent attack of her daughter Eileen. That investigation led police to the arrest of mail carrier Dagmar Bertino, currently awaiting trial for her crimes in SimState Prison.

Eileen Forbes stated to the Times, "I primarily want my mother to be remembered for her work in this town, for the legacy she left for her grandchildren. However, I do understand that the arrest of Dagmar Bertino is part of our family history. I do wish Mom had lived to see the sentencing of Dagmar, the woman who killed her husband and attacked her family. However, I can only hope that she is looking down from Simeaven and will see justice be done."

Eileen presented the Times this collage with a personal message from her family for her mother.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Bailey's Ravine Law Enforcement Fund. This fund helps the families of officers killed in the line of duty.

Inpatient Care

2006-03-21T07:33:00.000-08:00

After a few days at home with my babies and hearing the good news that my attacker, Dagmar Bertino, was captured, I arrived Bailey's Ravine Medical Center for inpatient care to help my drinking problem.

I've been here for 3 weeks now. I hate not seeing my babies during this time, but I know that Mom and Nanny Calista, plus any other help she can get, will do fine. Mom really wants me to get better.

I spend my days mostly doing the same things over and over.

I work out...

I read...

I write in my journal...

And I rest in my room...

I also like to sit out front and watch the fountain.

Even though I've given up drinking, I can't seem to give up men. I met Amin in the hospital weight room.

Last Saturday we had a free day. I spent some time with my kids and Mom, then Amin took me to a 50's diner for dinner before I went back to the hospital. We had a good time. We talked, ate, played pool and danced to music from the jukebox.

I called Wyatt and told him about the boys. He agreed to come over when I got home and meet them.

I only have a week left here. Hopefully I'll be good as new when time to go home.

Dagmar's Confession

2006-03-20T03:31:00.000-08:00

Bailey's Ravine Times

We visited former mail carrier and now alledged murderer Dagmar Bertino in SimState Prison. She granted only this paper, the Bailey's Ravine Times, an interview.

Q: Hello. Can you state your name for the paper?

A. My name is Dagmar Bertino.

Q. Thank you. Can you tell us why you are allowing this interview when your trial is scheduled for next month? Can you tell us how you are going to plead.

A. I am going to plead guilty, because I am guilty. I'm guilty of being in love. I was in love with Sean McGaw Forbes.

Q. Really? Did he return your feelings?

A. I thought he did. He was always so nice to me whenever I came by the house. He even invited me to his little girl's birthday party. But when I saw her, when I saw the house and his wife, I just knew that it should all be mine. I should have been his wife, the house should have been mine. The child should have been mine.

Q. What happened the night Sean McGaw Forbes died?

Attorney: You don't have to answer that. This will come out in the trial.

Q. What will you be pleading at your trial next week?

Attorney: She will will be pleading guilty to murder and attempted murder, however there are extenuating circumstances that will be brought to light at that time.

Q. Is there anything you would like to tell the Forbes family?

A. No, nothing. Sean was meant to be with me, and if I can't have him then neither can you.

Q. Thank you, Miss Bertino.

Miss Bertino's trial is set for next month and you can be sure that the Bailey's Ravine Times will be there to cover each moment.

**The back of Dagmar's shirt is supposed to say "SimState Prison Inmate", but my video card isn't good enough for the words to show.**

Forbes Family Menace Captured

2006-03-19T00:18:00.000-08:00

An arrest was made today in the case of the mysterious death of Sean McGaw Forbes and the shooting of his daughter, Eileen Forbes.

The culprit was none other than mail carrier Dagmar Bertino.

The police have investigated the death of Mr. Forbes since it occured, even after the coroner closed the case as an accidental death. Only a week after Mr. Forbes' death, his daughter was mysteriously shot just outside her home. The police have continued to watch the house and noticed the mail carrier acting in a suspicious manner.

"She was constantly looking at the house. She would deliver the mail, then just stop and stare at it. Chloe and Eileen Forbes then started complaining to the police about threatening letters they had received. The police never suspected Dagmar at first. We did take her fingerprints in order to clear them from the envelope the letters were mailed in. Imagine our surprise when we found them on the paper inside the envelope as well."

Eileen Forbes made this statement from her home. "I do not know what Dagmar has against my family. She was an aquaintance of my father's and as such we were always polite to her. I don't know why she would wish us harm. However, justice has now been served, and I can now rest easier knowing that my life and the life of my family is no longer in jeopardy."

Eileen Forbes realeased this photo she found among her father's possessions. "I remember her being at the party, but she was very nice to me. After I found this photo, though, I didn't know what to think. That's why I gave it to the police."

Dagmar's trial is set for next month. She could be sentenced to 15 years in SimState Prison.

We will have an exclusive interview with Dagmar in tomorrow's issue.

Here are photos of Dagmar in her cell and speaking to officials at SimState Prison. Her attorney, George Law, was present with her during questioning.

More Changes...

2006-03-18T00:09:00.000-08:00

My babies were born today.

Yes, my babies. I had twin boys.

This is Greg...

This is Henry...

I haven't called Wyatt yet to tell him he's a father. I plan to do that once we're home from the hospital. Mom will have nannies help with the twins and Frank while I'm at the hospital inpatient program. I'll be home for about 3 days with the babies before I check in.

Cleaning Up My Act

2006-03-17T04:15:00.000-08:00

Mom and I had another argument about a week ago about taking care of myself, especially now that I'm expecting again.

The next thing I knew my stomach started hurting really bad. Mom called the ambulance. I ended up in the hospital for almost 3 days. I had 3 days of no drinking, no boyfriends, no dates and no woohoo. I did a lot of thinking during those 3 days. Mom was right, I do need to clean myself up and stop drinking. What if I have caused some type of harm to my baby? I don't want to do that at all.

I'm seeing my doctor regularly for checkups and once the baby is born I'll be checking into an inpatient hospital program. Mom said she will take care of Frank and the new baby while I'm gone. I know I won't be able to take care of them properly while trying to get better.

Frank started school yesterday. I can't believe how fast he's growing up.

Life is looking up. Since I'm not drinking anymore I'm awake more often and spending more time with Mom and Frank. We usually try to eat most meals together.

He and Mom both drive me crazy rubbing my belly all the time.

Since it was almost my 25th birthday Mom said it was time to add my portrait to the wall in the upstairs gallery. She worked on it at night after Frank went to bed. Posing was very tiring. I hated her painting it now, while I'm so big. I really wanted it to be when I was slim and pretty, wearing a pretty formal gown. Mom really likes the painting, though. I sometimes watched her work on it, rubbing my own belly every now and again.

Here is the picture the portrait is based on...

My portrait now hangs in the upstairs gallery, along with Mom's and the other Forbes heirs.

Eileen Forbes Diary Entry 3

2006-03-16T00:40:00.000-08:00

Could my life get any more screwed up? Apparently so. And Mom says "I told you so" whenever she gets a chance.

Frank is great, though, even though I'm not the best mother in the world. I was there for his birthday. Mom glared at me when I left for a date after the cake, though.

Mom got Frank a cute little tuxedo suit. I don't know where she expects a toddler to wear that outfit.

Mom is still harping on me about my drinking and my boyfriends. I wish she would just butt out of my life! I mean, it's my life, right? And I have the money to take care of Frank and myself, I'm able to hire nannies so he's always got someone here. So what's it to her? She's talking about getting me some "professional help", whatever that means.

Back to my life being screwed up. While Frank is growing up and mom is griping at me, I'm still dating whomever I want. I saw Serdar again...

And this guy named Trent that I met downtown...

And then this guy, Wyatt Cody...

I actually dated Wyatt for a few months exclusively. Then it happened...

I got sick...and sick some more.

I decided to go to a doctor to see if what I expected was true. Yep, she confirmed it. I'm pregnant ... again.

I decided to tell Wyatt. I was going to call him the next morning, but he showed up late one night and surprised me. I met him outside.

I said "Wyatt, remember that really great date we had about 2 months ago?"

"Yes, it was great. How about a repeat of that?"

"Get your mind out of the gutter for a minute, okay? I'm pregnant." I turned sideways so he could see my little belly pooch.

"I don't want any part of this! I'm outta here!"

And then he left.

No matter, I did this once with Frank and I don't even know who his dad is. I can do it again without a man's help.

On top of all of this, the police still don't know who attacked me. They are watching the house and I have given them all the names of my old boyfriends and anyone who may wish my family harm. They are watching the house every day. You never know when a cop will turn up! Even with all they are doing, though, they have come up on dead ends on every lead. I wonder if they are even really investigating? I think the police still think that Mom and I had something to do with Dad's death, they just can't find proof. I hope something happens to give them that proof soon, because I'm scared for all of our lives.

Franklin Sean Forbes, generation 5

2006-03-15T14:26:00.000-08:00

My baby was born today.

His name is Franklin Sean Forbes. I'm calling him Frank, and his middle name is Sean after my dad.

He really is cute. I wonder where those brown eyes came from?

Like I said before, though, no kid is going to keep me from living how I want. I have a nanny coming here day and night. Mom also takes care of Frank from time to time. I spend time with him, I do. Just not 24/7. Usually before I go out on a date I'll stop into the nursery to play with him.

Mom says I have a drinking problem and that I'm depressed. She really wants me to see a doctor, but I say no way! I don't have a problem. This is me, this is who I've always been, since college, and I'm not going to change. Not for her or for Frank.

My latest conquest was Goopy Boyle. He's a college kid that hangs around every now and again. He's usually in his Llama outfit. My goal was to get him out of it, which I did, of course :) Isn't he hot?

Mom can't be that upset about me. She invited an old friend over the other day and they spent a long time outside talking. If he's an old friend of hers, he's had some major plastic surgery because he is H-O-T hot! I may have to steal him away from her.

The police have finally declared Dad's death accidental. They still don't know what happened, but the coroner's report was inconclusive about the cause of death. They are still actively investigating my attack, though. They've asked me to list any old boyfriends, enemies, anyone who may have had reason to attack me. I told them that my old boyfriends only want to attack me in a good way :) The cop wasn't impressed by my humor, though. So I'm working up the list and I'll be getting it to them next week.

Some old lady came up to me the other day though, and started pointing at me, telling me to be careful, that my life was out of control. I told her to step back and leave me alone. My life is just fine, thanks.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off for a glass of wine...I mean ginger ale.

Eileen Forbes Diary Entry 2

2006-03-14T00:30:00.000-08:00

I waited as long as I could to tell mom about the baby. She knows I've been through a lot, but she doesn't really approve of my lifestyle. What upsets her more is that since the attack I seem to be worse. She feels I'm on a mission, looking for love in all the wrong places and all that.

Anyway, once my belly started showing I had to tell her. She was calm, like she always is. She's happy about having a grandchild, but she does wish the circumstances were different.

Mom wasn't happy about me continuing to date while pregnant. Not many men will date a woman who's about to have a child, but apparently Brandon didn't have a problem with it.

"Pregnant women are s-o-o-o hot," he said. "You have this glow about you and it makes you sexier than ever."

We talked and danced in the club room on the property. Then he spent the night with me.

The baby is due soon. I don't know what I'm going to do. Mom is in trouble at work due to the ongoing investigations. She could quit her job, but she doesn't want to just yet. I want to sleep all the time. I went ahead and quit my job as an artist. I don't really want to do anything, really. I just want to be with the guys who say they love me. Mom says that my life will have to change once the baby is born. I told her no way! No kid is going to get in my way of living how I want to live! We have the money - I'll have nannies here to take care of the kid so I can do what I want when I want.

Eileen Forbes Diary Entry

2006-03-13T16:11:00.000-08:00

Diary,

Since getting home from the hospital I've felt ... different.

Mom and I are much closer now. It's not just because we're under stress from the police investigation into Dad's death or the investigation into my shooting. It's because she almost lost me. We are pulling together the way we never have before.

The first thing that I did when I got home was give her a huge hug.

We stayed up late talking and playing chess.

Mom even had some fun in the new nightclub I had built in back of the house.

We're trying to get back to normal as much as possible, even though the police are breathing down our necks. They think we had something to do with Daddy's death! But they cannot explain my attack. They believe it was just random and it's not connected to Daddy. I believe something else is going on, though. I just don't know what.

As I said, though, I feel very different. I tried to get back to feeling normal. I even gave myself a makeover and bought some new clothes.

But makeup and clothes don't hide the fear I have...fear that someone or something will attack me again.

Plus, there is something else that I haven't told Mom. I haven't told anyone this yet, but it makes me even more scared for my life. You see, I don't have to just be worried about myself anymore. While in the hospital, they ran tests to make sure I had the right blood type and everything. Well, they also found out something else.

I'm pregnant. And I don't know who the father is.

Suspicious Attack at Forbes Residence

2006-03-10T22:23:00.000-08:00

Bailey's Ravine Times

Is someone attacking the Forbes family of Bailey's Ravine, or is the city under a crime wave?

Two nights ago at approximately 3 a.m. Chloe Forbes reported to the Bailey's Ravine PD that she heard her daughter, Eileen, come home from a date. Suddenly, there was a loud noise and Mrs. Forbes heard a scream. She rushed outside to find her daughter on the ground near the mailbox, wounded by a possible gunshot.

Mrs. Forbes contacted the paramedics and the police from her daughter's cellphone, then applied CPR until the paramedics arrived. Eileen Forbes was taken to Bailey's Ravine Medical Center, the same hospital where her father died after a mysterious attack just the week before.

Chloe Forbes released a statement to the paper this morning stating that Eileen was in stable, but critical condition and that prayers and good wishes are welcome from all residents of Bailey's Ravine. Mrs. Forbes concluded with the statement, "Eileen is a strong girl. I know she'll pull through this. Thank you to everyone for your support."

The police are investigating this attack on Eileen Forbes as well as the mysterious death of Sean Forbes, who died on the premises just one week ago. The police will not confirm if they believe the attacks are connected.

Suspicious Death at Forbes Residence

2006-03-10T22:04:00.000-08:00

Bailey's Ravine Times

Last night at approximately 2 a.m. the paramedics responded to a call to the Forbes residence at 101 Forbes Lane. Chloe Forbes, the owner of the home, called the paramedics when she found her husband, Sean, unresponsive near the family cemetery on the property. Sean Forbes died at 5 a.m. at Bailey's Ravine Medical Center of undetermined causes. The police were then contacted regarding the death and began an investigation. The Forbes home does have an alarm system and security cameras around the perimeter of the estate. Photographs, similar to the one shown here, show Mr. Forbes reaching out to someone unseen as he falls to the ground near one of the family graves.

Police are still investigating. They questioned Chloe Forbes and her daughter, Eileen, as well as a guest of Eileen Forbes who was also at the home the night of her father's mysterious death.

The police are releasing no details regarding the investigation at this time. Police Chief Granger says in a statement to the press, "We are investigating some leads at this time and we will keep the public informed when we have more information."

Neither Chloe nor Eileen Forbes would comment.

Eileen Graduates

2006-03-02T18:05:00.000-08:00

It has been a wild Senior year!

All I can say is that I love boys :) They are nice and sweet and strong. I just can't get enough :)

Armando, my housesitter, really helped me out my entire time here. He graduated, though - but not before I thanked him profusely for his help :) So his friend Renee moved in to housesit for the family. She and her family can use the house as long as they need to.

I finally found out what Dad meant when he asked about being kidnapped. It seems that Mom and Dad, Armando and Renee and even one of my new friends are all members of a secret society! It was around midnight when someone woke me up from a sound sleep. He started doing this chicken dance, then he handcuffed me.

He put me into a limo - nightgown and all - and drove me to this old castle that I'd never seen before. I was greeted by 2 girls that I'd seen around campus. They cheered for me and gave me a blazer with a Llama patch on the front. Mom and Dad both have one of these blazers. Now I have one of my own :)

Before graduating, while Armando was writing all of my papers, I continued to go out on dates.

There was Jonah...

and Kevin...

and Tiffany. Yes, I know, she's not a guy, but college is for experimentation, right? We actually had a really nice time and had a lot to talk about.

While I was on my date with Tiffany, though, I ran into Abjeet. He wasn't happy that I was dating someone else, even though neither of us was committed to the other. Can you believe he slapped me right there in the store!

Soon it was graduation day. I had a party and invited Dominique. We sang and danced, ate pizza and drank from the juice keg. It was such a blast!

This is my yearbook photo. What do you think?

Soon the party was over. I packed my things - some love letters, some flowers from my dates, and I also hooked my truck up to the U-Haul. Soon I was on my way home.

Now it's time for me to live up to being the Forbes family heir - while figuring out how to have fun at the same time :)

Eileen at College

2006-03-01T10:51:00.000-08:00

Wow! I got to college and suddenly...boys! There were guys everywhere! I decided to major in art because it gives me tons of free time to date. The housesitter also helps me by writing some of my term papers for me. Isn't that nice of him? But he'll be graduating soon, so I have to get someone new to move into the house and sit for us.

Speaking of the house, we ended up having to get a new one. Something went really wrong with the old house when the new downtown area was built. I don't know what messed up, really, but we had so many problems with our things and our maid, Remington, wouldn't leave. We couldn't speak to him or anything, so he just fluttered around cleaning until he couldn't stand it anymore. So Mom and Dad bought a new house, just down the road. It's a 1 story ranch style, but it's still cool. They even surprised me with a truck to drive!

Now, back to the boys. It's like I can't help myself. All my dreams of becoming a doctor are long gone now. I just want to be with boys and kiss them and make out. It's been great. I've gone out to nightclubs and parks and even a museum. They've all had a ton of fun with me, too, although a few have taken our relationship a bit seriously. When they start talking about engagements and kids and stuff, I say "See ya!" and hit the road.

Here are some of the cute guys I've been dating.

Professor Andrew is so much hotter than the picture in the yearbook that mom showed me. He has this great brown hair and these deep brown eyes I could just fall into.

Jake is a really nice guy, but he's one of the ones that took this a bit too seriously. He will barely speak to me now because he found out about Dominique.

Dominique is so great. He has this great red hair. He loves a lot of the same things that I do. We get along great.

Castor...Oh, boy, what can I say about him. He hides behind those glasses, but when you get a good look at his eyes you just melt. We had a REALLY good time at the garden maze last week. I mean a REALLY good time :)

Abjeet took me out to a karoake bar. I've never been to one before. We had dinner, then he sang and I danced with another group. When his song was over, we slow danced. It was a wonderful date.

I've been out with a few other guys as well, but we just haven't hit it off.

I'm a senior now, so it's time to buckle down and finish school. Dad also asked me if I'd been kidnapped yet. What do you suppose he meant by that?

Generation 4 Update

2006-02-17T21:31:00.000-08:00

Hi, everyone. I'm Eileen Forbes. My mom tells me I'm the 4th generation Forbes to live in this house and that it's very important to be part of the Forbes family in Bailey's Ravine. She's shown me the pictures upstairs on the wall. I see Grandpa Mark who moved to Bailey's Ravine after college to start a new life. I see Grandpa Adam, who helped take care of me when I was a baby and helped me with my homework in grade school. Then there's the picture of mom that Grandma Kay painted. She looks really neat with her pool cue. She said that they wanted to get paintings of the family heirs doing what they loved. She said that she would paint my picture for the wall once I had completed college.

My mom is a really great lady. She worked hard as a police officer, but still found time to be with me. I loved it when she made pancakes for breakfast on weekends. I was always happy to see here. Here is one of my favorite pictures of her with me. I was only a toddler at the time.

On my birthday, mom was working, so Grandpa Adam gave me a party.

I was so happy to be a child and not a baby! I got some neat new clothes and some green pajamas for my birthday. Mom also took me to get a haircut. She said my hair was all in my face. I chose to get pigtails. I thought they looked cute back then.

I didn't really like school. I loved to learn, but school was stupid. I hated doing my homework. One night I had to stay up really late to get it all done. Grandpa Adam helped me and I was able to finish it before school the next day.

My favorite thing to do when I was little was clean. I don't know why I liked it so much. Mom said maybe I had Grandma Kay's genes. She told me how Grandma and Grandpa had met at the college. Grandma was the dorm maid and Grandpa was a student there. Once they married, Grandma wrote a book about cleaning and made a fortune.

Just before I turned 16, mom got a promotion and became Captain Hero! It was her dream come true.

I had a great birthday party for my teenage transition. Dad invited a friend of his, our mail carrier, Dagmar. I didn't realize it until looking at this picture, but she doesn't seem to like me much. I better keep and eye on her.

I stopped wearing pigtails as a teenager, as you can see. I let my hair grow long and just kept a ponytail. I like my look. It's a bit funky and fun.

I really love to learn and can't wait until I go to college. I should be getting a lot of scholarships. I got a cleaning scholarship, of course, as well as a communications scholarship and one for logic too. I really like to play chess with Grandpa Adam. Dad and I also like to stargaze with our telescopes. I can't wait until high school is over and I can finally study some interesting things. I've decided to be a doctor like Grandpa Mark.

Mom transitioned into an elder soon after my birthday and retired from the police force. I also got her some new clothes. I mean this orange and pink getup just wouldn't cut it!

We all really miss Grandma Kay. She was a wonderful lady and helped me out a lot. I'll never forget her. I just wish I could have known her longer.

**Eileen Forbes - 10 neat, 9 outgoing, 5 active, 6 playful, 3 grouchy. Aries. LTW - Chief of Staff, medical career. Fortune Aspiration. Generation 4 heiress**

We Remember Kaylynn Forbes

2006-02-17T21:03:00.000-08:00

Kaylynn Forbes, author of Cleaning with Kay and daughter-in-law of prominent physician Mark Forbes, died at her home at 101 Forbes Lane earlier this week. She leaves behind her husband, Adam, a prominent paranormal researcher, and three children - Chloe, Daphne and Pierce Forbes. She also leaves a grandchild, Eileen Forbes. Kaylynn Forbes rose to fame when she married into the Forbes family after working many years as a maid at Acadamie Le Tour. She used her housekeeping knowledge to write Cleaning with Kay. Her book helped many house-sims discover the joys of keeping house for a family or starting a cleaning business.

Kaylynn was also an accomplished artist, musician and chess player. Her paintings adorn the walls of the Forbes family home as well as many other homes in the community.

From the Simmer in Charge

2006-02-15T00:59:00.000-08:00

I know it's been a long time since I've given an update, but I promise that an update is forthcoming. I've been busy with work, house stuff and life in general and haven't been able to play as much as I did before. I did play a few hours tonight and I have some pictures ready to post. I will be posting an update tomorrow evening.

I look forward to visiting everyone's blog as well. I haven't been able to keep up the way I was and I miss it.