August 2008 Archives

Things were a bit hectic in the Morgan household, with twin alien toddlers and two vampires. It was a wonder that Ross was able to keep his sanity.

Luckily he had a responsible teenaged daughter who even used vacation time to make sure her little brothers learned their skills.

Ross purchased an adorable little kitten named Patches from the Duncan family.

The twins really loved the cats. Here's a picture of Thomas and little Patches.

And Patches seemed to enjoy all the attention.

One day over lunch, Patricia asked Richard if he believed her mother was abducted by aliens. Richard didn't want to talk about it. Patricia didn't seem to think her idea was that far-fetched, given the heritage of her twin brothers.

Catching fireflies proved to be very frustrating for Hank.

Patches grew into a very unusual looking cat. Patricia decided to register Patches as the first Calimau. (I've made the Calimau available for download here at my Sims2 page).

Patches watched over the twins, even while they slept.

Hank refused to learn to talk.

Until Patricia bribed him with a Teddy Bear.

Helen had a bit more luck with Thomas who seemed eager to learn.

Now that the twins birthday was around the corner, Patricia decided to join her sister at the RSC. Her grandfather Richard risked the sunlight to see her off.

The twins enjoyed cake for their birthday, but Ross was still not ready to introduce them to the neighborhood, so they kept the celebration to just family.

Thomas Morgan
Virgo
10 Neat, 0 Shy, 10 Active, 10 Playful, 5 Nice

Hank Morgan
Libra
0 Sloppy, 10 Outgoing, 2 Lazy, 10 Playful, 10 Nice

At Richard's request, Helen drank the potion she'd purchased from the gypsy woman, Gertrude Jackson. It tasted awful.

But it appeared to work. Oddly, Richard couldn't seem to find his potion, so only Helen has been cured.

Round 5 Summary: The twins learned all their toddler skills, mostly with help from their big sister. Patricia went off to the RSC. Ross was promoted to astronaut and is one step away from reaching his lifetime want. He also brought home a kitten named Patches after visiting the Duncan home business. Richard found love #6 and persuaded Helen to drink the vamprocilin potion. Helen was cured of vampirism.

The Duncan family was still grieving over the death of family matriarch Shirley. Particularly son Ronald who neglected the home business he had inherited. He even tried to ease his grief by filling the house with strays.

First he brought home Latham from the pet store. At least Latham and Spot got along (for a while).

Lures 'N Mates seemed to be stagnated at Rank 7. It was so hard to keep Ronald focused on his business. Usually he was off reading or playing with the cats.

Speaking of the cats, Spot and Latham welcomed 4 kittens to the family. Ronald is going to have to find good homes for these since the boys are heading off to university and it would be up to he and Susan to take care of six cats. Here's a picture of Spot with daughter Belle.

And one the 3 boys, Tigger, Scratchy and Patches.

Latham gave Patches a bath.

The kittens seemed to be a big hit with the customers of Lures 'N Mates which reached Rank 8. Ronald also managed to get his silver badge in fishing.

Always the entrepreneur, Jeffrey sold one of the kittens to his brother-in-law, Karl Morrison.

Susan wasn't too fond of having so many cats around the house, so she spent more time in downtown Stratfordshire. She went on a dream date with Randall Burns.

But didn't realize her daughter Gladys had witnessed it.

Jeffrey and James left for the Royal Shakespeare College. Both earned the Will Wright Genius Grant and the Sim City Scholars Award. Ronald waved goodbye to James.

And when Jeffrey finally got back from his business the Majestic Wardrobe, he left to join his brother and their friends at the RSC.

Spot got a little grayer and retired from her job.

Round 5 Summary: James and Jeffrey earned 2 scholarships and went off to the RSC. Susan was promoted to freelance web designer. Lures 'N Mates reached Rank 8 and Spot and Latham welcomed 4 kittens. Ronald earned his silver badge in fishing.

(Blogger's note: I've never seen a family sim roll up a fear of having children, but after the second set of twins were born, Jerald has consistently rolled up the fear of having a baby.)

The Macbeth household had gotten quite large last season with the birth of another set of twins. Funny how things had changed for Maria, who initially had doubts whether she would find Stratfordshire exciting enough, has settled down into married life. Her propensity for twins is even scaring her family oriented husband Jerald. Teens Alyssa and Ariel have started high school and have yet to discover boys (a good thing in this household).

Alyssa went to the pet store to get a new collar for Buster and fell in love with an old dog named Adar. She didn't want Adar to die alone, so she brought her home.

Leaving the babies in the care of their twin sisters, Maria and Jerald snuck off for a weekend getaway to a Far East destination.

Where they learned an interesting legend.

Meanwhile Buster and Adar of like mind. If Jerald thinks the doghouse is weatherproofed for rain, then he can sleep in it.

Maria was very happy Buster liked his new friend. It was just too bad they couldn't have rescued Adar sooner.

The twins had their first birthday.

Alan Macbeth Miles
Scorpio
6 Neat, 5 Outgoing, 9 Active, 4 Serious, 6 Nice

Ann Macbeth Miles
Libra
1 Sloppy, 10 Outgoing, 8 Active, 10 Playful, 6 Nice

Adar is great with the children.

Ann seems to hold a particular fascination for her.

Always the active one, Alan will be running soon.

Jerald taught Ann all about Teddy Bears.

Round 5 Summary: Maria and Jerald went on a short Far East vacation. Alyssa brought home elder dog Adar. Both Alyssa and Ariel brought home good grades. Maria went on dream dates 13 and 14 with Jerald. Jerald was demoted (chance card) and promoted back to Desk Sergeant. The twins learned potty training and to walk. Ann learned to talk.

Romance was in the air last season with the Wallaces. Jennifer began dating Jeffrey Duncan. David, who is very particular about Ms Right, went on a few dates but is "still looking" and Mary had a bit of a lovers triangle going, although she couldn't quite understand Ross' jealousy, considering he told her he just wanted to be friends.

The romance between Jennifer and Jeffrey Duncan continued to blossom.

Entrepreneur Jeffrey wanted to help Jennifer prepare for her adventure career. So he bought her a top of the line telescope.

Snoopy, embarrassed by not alerting the house to the attempted burglary, seemed determined to be a better guard dog.

Uh oh. Bad idea Snoopy.

Pew!

Mary was promoted to Investigative Reporter. Jennifer suggested she write her first piece on the environment.

Still looking for Ms. Right, David employs the help of matchmaker Gertrude Jackson. She set him up on a date with Stacie Wheeler. It went ok, but she was too old for him.

Mary was thrilled when David told her he wanted to go to university. She just hoped he would remember to study.

David headed off to the Royal Shakespeare College having earned the Kim Prize for Hygienics.

Mary was promoted to Magazine Editor for her piece on the environment. Only one more promotion needed to reach Media Magnate.

The next morning Jennifer left for university. Apparently she wanted to make sure Jeffrey was not going to skip university since his business was obviously doing well.

Jennifer earned the Quigley Visual Arts Stipend as well as the Sim City Scholars Grant. She would be joining her brother David in the same dorm at the RSC.

Snoopy was getting a little old to be working, so Mary called and officially retired him. Good dog!

Suffering a little from the Empty Nest Syndrome, Mary decided to treat herself to a Far East vacation. She invited her current love, Joel the Mailman to accompany her.

While on vacation, she learned to teleport from the local ninja. That's a skill that could come in handy for a journalist.

And she took some time to relax. However, she and Joel cut their vacation short when Mary got wind of a breaking story. Seems there is more to Ross Morgan's twins then he's divulging.

Round 5 Summary: Mary received 2 promotions and is now 1 promotion away from her LTW. David and Jennifer went off to the RSC with plenty of scholarships and Snoopy retired from the Showbiz career. Mary took Joel (the mailman) on a short Far East vacation.

Gladys Duncan and her boyfriend left Stratfordshire to attend university at the prestigious Royal Shakespeare College (RSC). Besides, it was the only university for miles. Gladys, who's lifetime want was to go on 50 dream dates, didn't really care what major she chose. As long as she'd get to go out with Karl. Karl Morrison, on the other hand, was a young man with a plan. He wanted to own 5 top level businesses and he wanted to do it without help from his future father-in-law, Ronald Duncan. He felt university would get him the skills and possibly even the financing to start his first business. He chose political science as his major, as he thought it would make more interesting conversational topics for his customers.

Karl got right to work on his first business venture and begin styling the hair of his college dormies.

He quickly became best friends with Charlie Blake. The three of them decided they would start the first Greek House at RSC. They picked up a charter and named the house the Cham Urele Nagard.

Gladys developed an interest in flower arranging and this made Karl very happy. He loved the idea of the two of them opening a flower shop together in Bridgewater.

Gladys was happy if Karl was happy. They shared quite a few dream dates.

But Gladys should have paid more attention in Health class. Seems like they are about to start another type of family business.

Karl decided he needed to "do right" by Gladys. Besides, he loved her.

Gladys jumped at the chance to marry Karl. She couldn't imagine going on a dream date with anyone but her high school sweetheart.

They didn't wait long to get married, and decided to postpone the honeymoon. Gladys wouldn't enjoy it in her condition and Karl was saving up to purchase a lot in Bridgewater for his business.

Gladys took Karl's last name and was now Gladys Duncan Morrison. She gave birth to a son.

They called him Anthony after Karl's maternal grandfather.

It was difficult keeping their studies up with little Anthony to look after. They were so tired from studying they didn't even have a proper first birthday party for him.

Anthony Morrison
Gemini
5 Neat, 8 Outgoing, 9 Active, 3 Serious, 1 Nice

But Karl was sure to teach Anthony all the skills he'd need for when he attended school.

Potty Training

Daddy!

Gladys Duncan Morrison
Graduated Summa Cum Laude in Philosophy
Co-Founder of RSC's first greek house Cham Urele Nagard

Karl Morrison
Graduated Summa Cum Laude in Political Science
Co-Founder of RSC's first Greek House Cham Urele Nagard

Anthony Morrison
Anthony is looking forward to starting school back in Stratfordshire.

Univ. Round Summary: Gladys and Karl both graduated Summa Cum Laude and founded Greek House Cham Urele Nagard with their friend Charlie Blake. Karl purchased 2 lots in Bridgewater, Thespian Tresses (hair salon) and A Rose by Any Other Name (flower shop). He and Gladys were married just before little Anthony was born.

The Morgan family was just trying to live the Sim dream but they seemed to have a penchant for being around whenever strange things happened in Stratfordshire. First Ross' wife Marion, disappeared. The army told him she was dead, but Ross wasn't quite sure he believed their official story. His parents moved in to help raise the girls but Richard fell in love with a vampire. So now his elderly parents help take care of the girls who are studying for college. Just when Ross thought things couldn't get any stranger, he was abducted by a UFO.

Well at least the girls seem to be normal teenagers. Patricia seems most interested in Al McCLain.

And Sarah fell in love with Lorene Stokes. These two oozed chemistry.

Meanwhile, Ross tried to pretend the UFO experience was just a nightmare. Looks like he can't pretend anymore.

Helen sent Richard to the grocery to get something so she could make dinner. They were almost out of food and she didn't want to ask Ross to go in his condition. But as usual, he got sidetracked by a pretty girl.

Helen made something quick with what was in the fridge. Oh no. Cheesecake for dinner can't be good.

Rosie dropped off a flat panel TV. When will Helen wake up and realize Richard did not win these items in a contest.

Ross isn't feeling too well after eating Cheesecake for dinner.

Marion! Is this what she felt giving birth to the girls? OWWW!

Meet Hank Morgan ...

And his younger by a few seconds twin, Thomas Morgan.

With more mouths to feed, Helen stepped up her gardening and earned her gold badge.

Richard waved goodbye to Sarah as she went with girlfriend Lorene Stokes off to college.

With help from his parents and daughter Patricia. Ross managed to make it through the twins first year. He didn't throw them a big party because he still hoped most of the town didn't know about what happened to him.

Thomas Morgan
Virgo
10 Neat, 0 Shy, 10 Active, 10 Playful, 5 Nice

Hank Morgan
Libra
0 Sloppy, 10 Outgoing, 2 Lazy, 10 Playful, 10 Nice

Round 4 Summary: Twins (Hank and Thomas) were born and aged to toddler. Sarah fell in love with Lorene Stokes and they went off to the RSC. Richard found his 5th concurrent love and Helen obtained a gold badge in gardening. Patricia fell in love with Al McClain and did well in the Adventure Career. Ross has all his requirements for his promotion and is very glad to not be pregnant anymore.

The Duncan family loves their businesses. Shirley and her son Ronald, started a home business Lures 'N Mates. Their daughter Gladys, just left for university with her boyfriend, Karl Morrison, another up and coming business man and now it looks as if one of the twins also wants to work the family business. That leaves Susan a lot of free time. Free time and Susan can only mean trouble.

Everyone had noticed that Shirley seemed just a little more tired lately, but everyone just passed it off as her working too hard. They didn't realize that it was her time until it was too late. (Blogger's Note: Shirley is the first of the founding sims to reach the end of her life).

Shirley seemed to be quite happy to be on her way. She never reached her lifetime want of owning 5 top level businesses, but she did see the home business she started, Lures 'N Mates, reach rank 6.

Her son Ronald inherited the business and was very upset by his mother's death. In a rare moment of compassion for her husband, wife Susan consoled him.

Even the cat Spot was in mourning over Shirley's death.

Shirley was often the only one that paid attention to Spot, especially after Gladys had left for college.

In order for the house to obtain some closure, they moved Shirley's remains to the Stratfordshire Cemetery. This way all her family and friends would be able to mourn her passing.

The Duncan family tried to get on with their lives. Spot found a new friend, in the form of April Morgan. April would often accompany her owners during their visits to Lures 'N Mates.

Speaking of the Morgan's. Seems like Ross has been getting ill a lot lately. Ronald removed the grill at Lures 'N Mates, but he didn't think it was anything Ross ate. None of the other customers were getting sick. Still, Ross was one of his best customers, so Ronald removed the grill all the same.

And Jeffrey used the money he inherited from his grandmother to purchase his first business. A clothing store he called The Majestic Wardrobe.

Round 4 Summary: Shirley passed away and left the business to Ronald. Susan was promoted to freelance photographer and Jeffrey purchased his first business, The Majestic Wardrobe. Spot made a new friend and James hung out with old ones.

Blogger's Note: Even though this started out as my smallest household, with just a single adult sim, Maria Macbeth, and her dog Buster, this has become one of the busiest households to play.

Jerald and Maria, still very much in love, managed to catch some alone time whenever the girls were at school or asleep.

Things were looking up for everyone. The girls were doing well in school and Jerald was promoted to Desk Sergeant.

They hired a sitter and went downtown to celebrate his promotion.

They did a little too much celebrating ...

Jerald took the news of Maria's pregnancy very well. He had always dreamed of a having a big family.

Oh no! John Cross out on bail and looking for trouble. He didn't waste any time as he had just been arrested for trying to rob the Wallace's across the street.

Jerald regretted not installing a burglar alarm, but he didn't think anyone would try and rob the home of a police officer.

But John Cross was no Criminal Mastermind. He was only a second rate burglar.

When he got greedy and took the car, Officer Rosie was able to catch up with him. Looks like it is back to the Stratfordshire Jail for this bad apple.

Jerald and Maria told the kids their new sister or brother would arrive soon.

But first it was time for the twins to celebrate their birthday. Things were a little too crazy for a party, but Maria baked the girls a cake.

Ariel Macbeth
Knowledge
LTW: Become a Media Magnate
Turn Ons: Underwear, Muscles
Turn Off: Blonde Hair

Alyssa Macbeth
Pleasure
LTW: Become a Professional Party Guest
Turn Ons: Hard Worker, Blonde Hair
Turn Off: Red Hair

Perhaps Jerald and Maria should have told the girls that their sister and brother would be arriving soon. Maria gave birth to another set of natural twins.

Ann (Macbeth) Miles

Alan (Macbeth) Miles

Meanwhile, the Contessa was up to her old tricks. Jerald wonders if he will have to deal with her in his official capacity as an officer for the Stratfordshire Police. For now, he decides to keep her under surveillance.

Round 4 Summary: Maria's dream date total is now 12. Jerald received 2 promotions and is now a Desk Sergeant. The twins, Ariel and Alyssa celebrated their birthday and started high school. Maria gave birth to another set of natural twins, Ann and Alan. The house was burglarized by none other than John Cross, who once again was apprehended by Officer Rosie.

It's hard to believe Mary's children, toddlers when they arrived in Stratfordshire, are now teens. Son David wants to find just the right girl. Even if it takes him 50 dates to do it. While Jennifer longs for a life of adventure. This season was all about the romance

David went on date with Sue Hunt. She was the 3rd girl he had asked out this week. Sue seemed nice, but was into books like his mother and sister. Definitely not the one.

Mary was promoted to horoscope writer.

David asked Bonnie Bridges on a date. David felt a little sorry for her, since everyone seemed to ignore her now that she was a vampire. But she was a little too forward and there was no chemistry.

Ross caught Mary on a date with Joel. Not sure what he expected after telling her she repulsed him right after their woohoo.

Joel was upset by the whole thing at first. But Mary convinced him she really was attracted to him and not just using him to get even with Ross.

Sabrina Reese was David's 5th date. No chemistry yet, but they seem to hit it off pretty well. Only time will tell if these two are destined for each other.

Jennifer reached the top of the teen Adventure career.

She didn't spend all of her time working and studying though. She went on a dream date with Jeffrey Duncan.

These 2 are meant for each other, even if they don't know it yet.

Off for the summer, David did some landscaping at the house. He added brick walkways and outdoor lighting as well as planted a few more rose bushes.

Poor Sabrina. When David didn't return her calls, she decided to surprise him with this lamp for his room. He still avoided her. She was creeping him out, following him about after just one date.

David's landscaping attracted more than jilted dates. Burglar John Cross paid a visit to the Wallace house.

He looked things over ...

And then noticed the alarm, which woke everyone in the house except for Snoopy. Well Snoopy is a Star not a Guard dog.

He tried to charm his way out of it, pretending to be a family friend playing a prank.

But Officer Rosie was too smart to fall for it.

And gave him a ride to the understaffed Stratfordshire Police Dept.

Round 4 Summary: Mary was promoted to Horoscope Writer. David went on a few more first dates, bringing his total to 5. Jennifer reached the top of the teen Adventure career and earned 2 scholarships, the Quigley Visual Arts Stipend and the Sim City Scholars Grant. She went on a dream date with Jeffrey Duncan who told her he was really into girls that were mechanically inclined. John Cross attempted to rob the house, but was apprehended by Officer Rosie.

Career military man Ross Morgan has had a strange year. First his wife "died" under mysterious circumstances. Things only got stranger when his parents moved in to help look after the girls. Richard, his father, was turned into a vampire and then his mother demanded Richard turn her into a vampire too. But things were about to get a whole lot stranger for Ross.

Things started out pretty well. First Ross was promoted to Flight Officer. Eldest daughter Sarah also received a promotion to Numbers Runner. Ross would definitely not approve of the people Sarah has been hanging out with. Probably best he doesn't know.

Richard took neighbor Shirley Duncan downtown to bowl a few games and soon made his move.

He took note of all the women swooning. Seems being a vampire is quite attractive to many women in Stratfordshire. He looks forward to many more evenings on the prowl.

The girls, meanwhile, are enjoying private school. Sarah for the academics ...

while Patricia is just happy to be going to the same school as all of her friends.

Helen doesn't seem to mind gardening at night. She earned her silver gardening badge while tending to her cucumbers.

But while Helen was tending to her cucumbers, Richard was tending to Patricia Hines.

She enjoyed their date so much she left a piano for him. Richard still hasn't told Helen about the first piano. How is he going to explain two?

Ross was promoted to Senior Officer for his delicate handling of an incident that he is sword to secrecy over.

That night, he searched the skies for Marion, like he had every night since she disappeared.

Oh no! What's happening?!

The same thing happened to Marion. Good thing the girls are asleep. Richard searches the sky for his missing son. He wonders if he and Helen will have to raise the girls alone.

But the aliens returned to Bridge Street later that evening.

Ross was returned, but he was alone. There was still no sign of Marion.

He's not talking about his experience either. He went straight to bed. But really, who could blame him?

Round 3 Summary: Ross was abducted by aliens. He also received 2 promotions and is now a Senior Officer. Richard wooed a few more of Stratfordshire's women, and was rewarded with another piano. Patricia and Sarah were absorbed in their studies, while Helen earned a silver badge in gardening (at night of course). April reached the top of her pet career.

Ronald and Shirley have been working hard to make home business Lures 'N Mates a success. Ronald's wife Susan, on the other hand, has been stepping out behind Ronald's back. The twins Jeffrey and James have grown into teenagers and teenage daughter Gladys is about to head off to university.

The Duncan women wave goodbye to Gladys. Her father said his goodbyes out front.

Gladys was awarded the Sim City Scholars Grant and the Wil Wright Genius Grant. That should help defray those college costs.

Gladys is off to the Royal Shakespeare College with her boyfriend Karl Morrison.

Susan continues to look for affection, this time with Darryl Porter. She didn't even ask him what he did for a living. In fact, Susan doesn't even know where he lives. She has his number though if she wants to go out for a good time.

She realized during her date with Darryl that she had put on a few pounds.

But Darryl had such a good time on their date, he brought her a Bust of Tylopodus. When asked where it came from, Susan lied and said that Gladys had sent it from college.

Ronald and Susan thought the boys might benefit from private school so they invited the local headmaster over. Private School was beyond their means before, but now that Lures 'N Mates was Rank 6, they could afford the tuition.

The headmaster was suitably impressed and welcomed the boys to the Royal Academy.

Round 3 Summary: Gladys had her 3rd dream date with Karl Morrison and went off to RSC with Sim City Scholars Grant and Wil Wright Genius Grant in hand. The boys got into private school and continue to do well. Susan found her first love, Darryl Porter and earned two promotions. Ronald and Shirley were thrilled when their home business Lures 'N Mates reached rank 6. They used the award money to pay off the final mortgage.

Maria Macbeth discovered she was pregnant. Jerald Miles, a family oriented sim with a lifetime dream of becoming a captain hero, was thrilled with the news. He moved in with Maria to help with the baby. Make that babies, plural, as Maria gave birth to natural twin girls named Ariel and Alyssa. Jerald proposed to Maria but as of the twins third birthday they still were not married.

Jerald was shocked when he'd read about his fiance's attraction to vampires. Maybe that's why she kept putting off discussions about marriage. He desperately wanted to marry Maria, and if it took becoming a vampire to convince her, then so be it. He asked his friend Helen to turn him.

That night, Jerald and Maria were married under the stars. Maria had wanted a daytime wedding with all her new friends in attendance, but Jerald's condition made that impossible. She never told him.

They shared one night of passion, but then Maria insisted he call the gypsy woman and get the cure.

It was hard enough teaching the twins the basics like potty training and ...

... walking without having to worry about Jerald's special needs as a vampire. Luckily the old woman's potion worked right away. Now Jerald can pursue his dream of becoming a Captain Hero.. Besides, this town is all about the theater, there is bound to be a costume shop with a vampire costume for those extra special romantic nights.

The girls learned all three toddler skills.

Hopefully they will learn to cook better than Maria. Good thing the Stratfordshire Fire Dept. was on the job.

Buster loves the children.

And they adore him.

It was hard to believe it was already time for the twins birthday.

Alyssa Macbeth
Cancer (6 Neat, 3 Shy, 6 Active, 4 Serious, 6 Nice)

Ariel Macbeth
Scorpio (10 Neat, 3 Shy, 9 Active, 9 Playful, 1 Grouchy)

Maria helps Alyssa with her homework. Maria taught both girls to study, but Ariel wasn't much interested in books.

She prefers to play, much like her father.

Maybe she will grow up to be a ballerina?

Round 3 Summary: Jerald and Maria got married. Jerald cured his vampirism (for now) and Maria quit her job. Maria's not sure if the full-time homemaker lifestyle will be enough for her, but for now it has put some of the spark back in her relationship with Jerald. The girls learned all their toddler skills and how to study. Jerald was finally accepted into the Police Academy and was promoted to cadet. Maria's dream date total is currently at 8.