Wednesday, December 28, 2011

The Journal of Penny Grant - May 26 - Pregnant Again

Honestly, look at how intensely that boy of ours is eating that stick. You'd think we'd forgotten to feed him for a few hours or even days.

You can easily see the tooth marks on the stick now. That either means that Buddy has strong teeth or the stick is cheap flimsy plastic. I prefer to think that Buddy has good teeth.

Two of the best looking guys in Sunset Valley. My boys, I just love watching them together.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Happy birthday to the World Adventuring Grants

The blog itself turns two years old today. The storyline turned two in late November, this story started over in the Hi Mum, it's Sammy blog with  Sam Grant exploring World Adventures for me. I decided that this Sammy family was worthy of their own space around the time that Sam and Rachel came home with a basket of babies - the triplets; Henry, Rick and Jack. So I copied the posts from Hi Mum, pasted them here and off we went.

The early days of the family was more about screenshots then anything else. Eventually the blog evolved to more story along with the screenshots.

I'm definitely a slow player, two years on and I've only reached gen 5. At this rate, Sims 4 will be out before I get to the 10th generation. Part of the reason though is that I have several Sims stories to tell and so each one gets some time.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

The Journal of Penny Grant - May 23 - Nick's promotion

Amazingly enough, Nick is still keen on the idea of another baby. I'm still not quite sure why, he's doing all right with Buddy but he's still a bit uncomfortable around our little man. Two is not going to improve that.

"Honey, let's make another baby." He reached out to stroke my cheek so softly.

"Nick, you are just so sweet. But another baby?"

"Well, yes. Why not?"

I can think of a million reasons why not. He's still at the bottom of his career, so am I. We might have to buy another crib if Buddy isn't ready for a big boy bed yet. But for the moment, there is an immediate reason for us not to try for another baby.

"Well, you have to go to work, like now."

Nick looked at his watch, muttered a few bad words and had to rush to change into uniform before his ride arrived.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

The Journal of Penny Grant - May 18 - Buddy's Birthday

While we did have a great time on our little trip away, coming home was splendid as well. Our little Buddy is here and he is a very special baby. My first thought after putting down the bags was to go check on our little man.

The sitter had been taking proper care of Buddy. He was clean, dry, and cooing contentedly when I picked him up.

"Say there, Buddy. Were you holding down the fort while Mommy and Daddy went away?"

His little hand touched my lips. I gave it a kiss and tucked Buddy back into the crib.

Nick was doing some stretching warm ups after that long flight.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

The Journal of Penny Grant - May 14 - Our trip to China

I've been encouraging Nick to do most of baby care at the moment. He'll be back to work all too soon, and I'm hoping to get him more comfortable around Buddy.

Who would believe an adult could be intimidated by the presence of a such an adorable baby?  And yet, Buddy does make his dad uncomfortable.

"Nick, honey, let's go to China!"

He spluttered for a moment. "Are you mad? We can't possibly take Buddy on a trip like that."

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

The Journal of Penny Grant - May 11 - Buddy meets his grandparents

A new day dawns, and I'm finally feeling a bit more like myself. It was time to properly greet our new son. Last night, with all the fuss and bother, well, getting some sleep was all that was on my mind.

So I did the morning baby tending.

While Nick invited the grandparents over to see their newest grandchild. Of course, my parents are old hands at the grandparent business, since Vincent's daughter is nearly a teen.

Stephen and Abbey have two boys, so Buddy isn't anyone's first grandson either.

Still, we're excited and happy and I'm sure our folks will be thrilled to see their tribe of grandchildren growing.

"Good morning, snookums. I hope it's going to be a big day today and you get to say hi to all your grandparents."

Thursday, August 25, 2011

The Journal of Penny Grant - May 9 - Prepare for incoming baby

I don't know what I'd do without Nick here. He's been as attentive and helpful as any pregnant girl could want.
"How's that?"

"Just a little lower Nick."

"Are you sure  everything's ok?"

"I promise, Nick. I'm not that fragile. Maybe fat and slow moving but not fragile."

"Now?"

"Perfect Nick. I feel much better." Well, for a little while. I don't know if my back is ever going to be the same.

Since it was my turn to cook, Nick decided to try out the water slide that came with the house.

Friday, August 12, 2011

The Journal of Penny Grant - May 4 - Family Party and Pregnancy

Nick's been fascinated by my pregnancy.

"Honey, can I feel your tummy?"

"I'm surprised that you can't just watch. I think he wants to kick his way out."

He carefully placed one hand on the baby bulge. "Wow, that baby is a strong kicker."

"Tell me about it." I stroked my tummy. "I don't think there's much question about how healthy this baby is."

"You need a distraction. I think I have just the thing."

Monday, August 1, 2011

The Journal of Penny Grant - May 1 - Settling in

I checked the mail to find that some of the wedding guests had sent presents. Including Mom and Dad sent us some gifts. Apparently a house isn't enough.

So I moved the old clunky computer from the top of this desk to write the thank you notes. I picked this desk since it's one of the rooms I haven't had a chance to look at yet.

Friday, July 15, 2011

The Journal of Penny Grant - April 29 - Our Wedding (2)

Take a good look at the groom, that handsome man. My Nick.

We had to wait for the guests to settle before we could finally begin the ceremony.

That was practically parent's corner over there. Nick's Dad, Mom, my Dad.

I think they are all happy that this time around there is a big wedding with the family. Abbey and Stephen just went to city hall one day and signed a few papers.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

The Journal of Penny Grant - April 29 - Our Wedding (1)

Nick feels quite at home in Stephen's old room. Good computer, good bed. This also means that he sleeps upstairs by himself.

Dad's still doing the "Not Yet" thing about us even sleeping in the same room. Given there is only one double bed in the entire house, I'm not quite sure why he worries. Besides, if we really wanted to, I think we could both squeeze in the shower. Or try out the hot tub.

Nick and I have both agreed that it's time to get married, so there won't be any more objections soon.

Speaking of Dad, he and Mom still have a major thing for each other. I don't think a day goes by without some romance between them. It might only be a small kiss or a quick hug or a very long session of flirting and making out. 

Sunday, July 3, 2011

The Journal of Penny Grant - April 27

Dad heard that Nick's new career, the military, required athletic skills. Since Dad's been honing his skills since the dawn of time

Penny, not quite that long.

Since nearly the dawn of time, he offered to train Nick.

Ronnie was off to meet a friend. She's dressed for my party which starts in a couple of hours so she doesn't have to change later.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

The Journal of Penny Grant - April 24

Mom and Dad agreed to let my new fiancé spend the night. Fiancé, isn't that the most splendid word? We are going to get married. I'm so excited.

The parents did rather insist that he stay upstairs, in one of my brother's rooms. Dad in particular is really kind of insistent on the whole graduate first thing.

Graduation, prom, a bachorette party, a wedding. There's so much to plan and do in the next little bit.


When Nick woke up, he used Vincent's old computer.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

The Journal of Penny Grant - April 20

I should wait till I have more to write, but I am sooo excited. This was the best day any girl could ever want. I'll get to that when it's time.

Dad still only has eyes for Mom. He went specially to buy her the best bouquet of roses he could find.

Mom loved it. But she loves Dad, so he'd have to bring home something really awful to make her unhappy.

Dad's taken to bragging about Vincent's girl Miriam to anyone who will listen.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

The Journal of Penny Grant - April 16

Ven brought Stephen home again. I don't know if she thinks he's interesting or he's just the least dull boy she knows.

He's probably just a friend to her. She's a bit too much of a bookworm, it's going to take someone pretty determined to make my sister pay attention.

Mum and Dad have really been dancing a lot lately.

Monday, May 16, 2011

The Journal of Penny Grant - April 12

Mum is working hard on another novel. She spends so much time at her desk.

Writing satire is hard. It requires a lot of effort to get the humour just so. On the other hand, your mum loves having fans recognise her work.

"Daddy, when we were in China, you said we should meditate together sometimes."

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

The Journal of Penny Grant - April 9

Daddy? What's this?

It's the family journal. You get to start now

Now?

Yes, now.

Right, so last night Mum and Stephen were dancing up a storm. She seemed to have taught him a few new moves.

Your mother always did know good moves.

Daddy, are you going to have me do this or not?

All yours.

Then hush.

Nope kiddo, you are stuck with me.


Dad still spends a lot of time painting. And Mum writes novels still.

What can I say, painting is fun and profit rolled into one. Your Mum does stress a bit over the novel writing though.

I think it's so romantic, how Mum and Daddy still adore each other. I hope that Nicolas and I stay together like that.

Daddy, do I have to wear a hat?

Kiddo, you get the journal, you have to have a hat.

Can't Ven have the journal?

Ven?

Pen and Ven. We tried P and V but Ven broke up laughing every time she said P.

So, how would you like to come with me down into the tombs next trip? Lot's of pushing, pulling and there may be traps. There will also be lots of treasure.

I've been hoping you'd take me.

And your sister?

Are you kidding? Give her a book or computer.

There you go, kiddo. You want the thrills, you get the journal and the hat.

Honestly, I do love my sister but I don't understand her at all. She loves to have her head in a book, or doing computer stuff or playing chess. Where's the thrill? Where's the romance?

Dad's latest painting was declared a masterpiece. It's the first masterpiece he's ever painted.

To celebrate the masterpiece, Dad hosted a pool party. Mostly family with a few friends invited. And a few people just happened to be swimming today.

Daddy?

Yes, Penny?

Why is Abbey skinny-dipping?

You can ask your mother about that. Abbey really shouldn't skinny-dip with you and Ronnie around though.


Stephen looks like he's thinking about joining Abbey.

Unlike Abbey, Stephen decided not to undress when there are teens about. Especially since two of them are his little sisters.

Stephen with no clothes??? Ewwww.

It's been hours and hours since I've seen Nicolas. It feels like a lifetime.

I just adore doing romantic things with Nicolas.

I didn't realise until I lost him, how much I wanted Nick and only Nick in my life.


Nick says I look hot with the new hat.

Should I be insulted that I didn't look hot before?

Wow, Dad, another painting finished. I don't like it as well as the last one.

It wasn't a masterpiece but it sold alright.

Hey Daddy, who's that?

Another of your cousins. This one is Malcolm, he's your Aunt Kathy's oldest. That's his little boy he's carrying.

There's nothing Mum likes more than getting out of the house and to a fishing hole. The other kids think it's funny, she just goes and never pays any attention to what she happens to wear.

My Mum is the best dressed fisherman in town.

She catches a lot of fish too.

Look, Dad. It's Nicolas's Mum and big brother James. But who's the other guy?

That would be Nicolas's uncle Travis. Bradley's older brother.

Poor Ronnie, it's a shame about James.

James is dating now. Ronnie is going to have to move on.

We had more relatives in the park, Penny. That's your Uncle Sammy and his daughter Devon.

How old is Uncle Sammy?

He's nearing 100. We'll probably be getting a phone call any day about him passing away.

Daddy?

Yes, Penny?

This can't be right. I was looking through the parts of the journal. There are some old pics there with your name...but that can't be.

Hmm, they are right. I'd forgotten how long my hair was when I was a teen.

Really you?

Yep. Your granddad wasn't fond of that hair either.

Wow.
----

The bonus pics

Since this blog has no filter on it

Stephen did decide to join Abbey

Nicolas, if you finish that step, you are going to regret it in those clothes.

He actually froze there like that for several minutes till the game figured out how not to have him instantly either swim or walk on water.

Beatrice Warren, the Master Thief daughter of Chrysame's Ripley.