The Humphrey Family_Apple Valley Historical Church

Growing Older

2009-03-04T17:55:00.000-08:00

Givar 2000Faith is preparing to enter university soon. She has a music scholarship, which isn't a surprise since she's signed to a record label as it is. I'm glad that she decided to go to university, at one point she was debating just joining the music industry full time.

We managed to have a long heart-to-heart talk about her future. She wants to move to Apple Valley Metro after graduation, apparently small town life isn't for her. That is fine, I'm not sure what will happen with the twins. Harvis hasn't been the same since his abduction and I discovered that nearly the same time, his brother was abducted as well. I hope this isn't some planned take-over!

New Move

2008-12-31T19:13:00.000-08:00

The hood council ordained that all families had to move into these smaller gated communities so here we are in another home. It has three bedrooms and two baths (the girls share a room), small backyard, but otherwise is ok. It's still a bit smaller than our last home especially in terms of yard space, but now we seem to be closer to our neighbors and can interact a bit more.

Hello, Neil!

2008-12-27T18:58:00.000-08:00

With the new gated communities opening up, new sims have been visiting the island to help with the process and wow are they cute! I met this one hottie...Neil and whoa wow a wow! What a hottie! Rich brown silk hair and a beautiful smile. I could tell he was totally into me as well...we exchanged numbers and he already left a message. I hope we become fast friends :)

New Job

2008-12-25T19:08:00.000-08:00

I got that job at The Peacock and now I work with my foster mother. At least the uniform is cool. Harvis was one of my first customers...it was weird waiting on him and he was so mean about it. Demanding more and more water! Gosh, I wonder about him...we shouldn't be near water and he's been drinking so much of it lately...

Taken!

2008-12-23T18:50:00.000-08:00

Aghhh!!! They came for me!!! But Susie was right!!! They were the wrong kind!!! Horrible green aliens!!!! Agh!!! I must shower!!! Drink lots and lots of fresh water!!! I need WATER!!!!

Alien Heritage

2008-12-19T18:56:00.000-08:00

I told Susie about what Harvis told me concerning thier alien heritage and how he's determined to find his family. She almost choked on her breakfast. She said it was too dangerous for him to be trying to contact the "family out there". Eh, well, nevertheless, it's a bit cool. I mean, can you imagine being part alien...aside from the whole not showering everyday thing.

Cooking Pro?

2008-12-16T18:54:00.000-08:00

Ha! It seems like everything I try to cook fails miserably! I can't even make breakfast rolls without them burning and they're supposed to be super easy!!!

The skill exams are coming up and with my past scores, I'm not sure thatI will pass. Then what will happen? I'll be in high school forever! I won't be able to go to university! I won't be able to find a job! And forget marrying and having children! No sim would want me!!! Agh!!! Stupid burnt breakfast rolls!

Searching

2008-12-13T18:48:00.000-08:00

I've been searching for my family in the stars...sending signals...hoping they will see.

I do not tell Susie of this, she worries too much, claiming the wrong kind may pick me up. Ha! Doesn't she know that I'm using a special blue alien only signal...OH! I read about a UFO sighting in Simmerville...it was near our family's home...I wonder, are they coming back for us now? I must signal harder!

Anniversary

2008-12-11T19:01:00.000-08:00

Bill sprang for a limo to take us around the island. Wow, that must have been expensive!!! We had a catered meal inside the limo and listened to music and made out and well...other things :)

It was a magical evening! I can't wait until we're older and in university. We are planning on getting an apartment together...hopefully the 'rents won't flip.

Dancing...Again

2008-12-10T18:41:00.000-08:00

Lyndon took the family out and it was wonderful! I had so much fun! It reminded me of our college days, dancing to the DJ and relaxing under the stars...wow, have things changed. We've moved several places...I've given up acting and settled into cooking as a career...I wonder if we could do it again would I chose the same path...would Lyndon still become a pastor...would I give up acting...hmmm...we will never know I guess.

Music Makes the World Go Round

2008-12-08T18:38:00.000-08:00

I love music! I was able to convince the local DJ to let me have a go at the turntables...it wasn't the best time on the dance floor, but still the music was great. I love music...but my talent doesn't match my love for it...I don't think I'll ever be like grandma Squirly...famous piano player...instead I think I'll be playing music for my own ears only...I'm interested in animals as well. We have a houseful of pets, but I want a bird as well...and maybe a fish. Hihi, perhaps I should look into becoming a vet...or an animal trainer...we'll see.

Future?

2008-12-06T18:44:00.000-08:00

Gosh, Bill has been getting on my nerves lately! Maybe it's the weather or the loss of our baby, I'm not sure...sometimes I wonder if we should even still be dating! But then he smiles at me and my knees melt...I'm just so moody lately...oh #$*@ could I be pregnant again! I better not be!!! Agh!!! I gotta get a test now!!!

EDIT: Whew, no baby in the belly this time.

Laid Off!!!

2008-12-04T19:04:00.000-08:00

I've been laid off!!! Can you believe that! I finally find a job working at the Tourist Center and now I'm jobless! Gosh! I've been replaced by a machine, so now I'm looking for more work...perhaps the Peacock...I could be a server...

Beach Day

2008-12-03T18:34:00.000-08:00

With the opening of Apple Valley Metro, I took the family to the beach. It was too cold to swim and Susie and Harvis are not allowed near the water anyway, but we walked about and built sandcastles.

Faith lost her baby, but Nicole and I have still been keeping a close eye on her. We know that she's been sneaking out and we alerted Tobi Sweeny of such, but there's only so much you can do as a parent...sometimes they must make thier own mistakes.

So...weird

2008-11-30T18:58:00.000-08:00

My foster sister was pregnant. Can you believe it! I knew something was wrong, she kept running to the bathroom and my foster parents kept whispering about and then there was some sort of meeting at the house and they sent Harvis and I out to walk the dogs.

She had a miscarriage due to the stress, whoa...I wonder what I would do if I were pregnant.

My funny cat and me

2008-11-28T07:47:00.001-08:00

My foster mother allowed my to get highlights in my hair, I still can't dye it blond, but the highlights look good. I also found the cutest yellow top and some make-up. My foster family says that I'm growing up and they have a funny look on thier faces when they say it. I haven't heard from Berjes. I have to call him and tell him all about my kitty. Silly kitty likes to eat honey.

Sad news-I didn't get the job playing the piano at Smokey Jane's, Faith got it :\ I heard that there's an opening for a bartendar at Smokey Jane's, maybe I could do that and Faith and I could walk to work together.

New Job

2008-11-28T07:47:00.000-08:00

I have a job playing the piano at Smokey Jane's, so in addition to my recording contract I perform locally. It's ok, a few hours in the evenings after school. It's ok money too. I think Susie is jealous since she applied for the same job but was denied. Hey...maybe she should be a server at The Peacock, I heard they need more sims.

Far as the pregnancy...I miscarried the baby. I don't know what to feel. Part of me is relieved, the other part sad...I mean, my child died...I don't want to talk about it.

Sweets for my ladies

2008-11-22T10:19:00.000-08:00

I visited CupaJava this simday and brought chocolates for my lovely ladies (Nicole, Faith and Susie). I want to show my girls how a man is supposed to treat them, hence I am trying to spoil them with gifts and quality time. That way when they are in a serious relationship they can say "my father does this for me, what do you have to offer?"

I am still worried about Harvis, he seems more obssessed with the sky. Maybe we should take his telescope away.

Fashionable Attire

2008-11-13T10:12:00.000-08:00

Faith promised to go shopping with me to help me pick out school clothes. Right now we're on our fall/winter break and I need some sweaters and warmer items. Nicole (my foster mother) is giving us some simoleans to use and we're going to go out for lunch while we're out. I can't wait!

Oh, %*$@!

2008-11-03T07:47:00.000-08:00

I think I'm pregnant! I called Bill to see if he would go with me to the doctor to take a test, yikes! What are we gonna do with a baby!

EDIT: We're pregnant, yikes! It's our freshman year, what about college? The rest of our lives!!!!

Shopping

2008-10-29T11:16:00.000-07:00

My last day here and I did a bit of shopping, by this time most of the locals had recognize me as the music girl. They should! I played in enough venues while I was here! One little girl asked for my autograph, it was cute! Until she said "thank you Jazie King" Jazie King!!! Do I look like Jazie King!!! Agh!

Goodbye, my love

2008-10-28T10:45:00.000-07:00

It's our last day in Tiki Island and Berjes came to see me in Sokitumi village where we were staying. We danced under the stars and he kissed me. I wished that we could go steady, but Berjes said that he's not ready for that type of committment, especially since we are so far away from each other. I don't know what we're going to do now...will we still talk?

Goodbye sweet island

2008-10-21T11:26:00.000-07:00

Our vacation is coming to an end. Lyndon and I took some time to visit Hacienda Bay, another island that has allied to form the Tiki Islands Coallition. I enjoyed the food so much, I must tell Carmela when I return. I know her family is coming here for a vacation as well to see thier ancestoral homeland.

Keeping Fit

2008-10-19T11:13:00.000-07:00

Ugh, I have to watch my weight now, especially with this rich island food. I've taken up swimming and I love it. One day when I have my own place, I will have a pool and swim everyday to stay nice and trim.

I talked to Bill this simday. He said that it snowed in the hood. Wow, I teased him about having salt water clinging to my skin and a suntan and he has cold snow and a drippy nose.

Performing for the Prime Minister

2008-10-15T11:09:00.000-07:00

One of my performances on the island included playing a few classical jazz pieces for the Prime Minister. She enjoyed it, as she should, and even asked if I could play a piece at her son's wedding. So far all my performances and recordings haven't made me much money, but the record company promised that I would recieve a check upon my arrival back in Apple Valley, once they sort out expenses. I guess I can't complain too much, they did pay for my family to come on this trip as a vacation.

Sands of Shore

2008-10-14T10:59:00.000-07:00

Harvis got it in his head that there were remnants of blue alien spaceships on the shore of the beach. Since I couldn't swim I "helped" him dig in the sand. We didn't find much alien spacecraft, though I did find a bit of colored glass, starfish and a cute pair of earrings. Silly Harvis, when will he give up on the returning back to the blue planet.

Friends

2008-10-08T11:24:00.000-07:00

I ran into my friend again and we talked about her tour guide job. I mentioned that AV was looking for a master scholar and she said that she might apply for the position. That would be nice to have an island friend closer to me. Someone to help me keep my roots.

Robbed!

2008-10-03T11:31:00.000-07:00

I feel so stupid! I was digging looking for artifacts as part of our tour and I burst a water pipe. Well this fella came around to help me and said that if I'm not careful something about water flies attacking and blah blah. Well, when he left I was missing $150!!! Next time I will be careful about who I allow to hold thier arm around me.

Sitting Round the Fire

2008-10-01T11:06:00.000-07:00

Susie and I snuck out of our hut this simnight and sat around a small campfire. We talked about the usual things teen girls talk about-boys, woohoo and friends. Susie met a boy (a very cute one I might add, too bad I'm dating Bill) and she's wondering about woohoo. Silly girl, I told her everything I know about how you should be more than friends and be in love before you take that step. She swears that she loves him, but I don't know. I mean, come on. She's still a baby partically!

Meeting the 'rents

2008-09-30T10:38:00.000-07:00

I introduced Berjes to my foster father. They seemed to get along just well, especially when Berjes mentioned that he liked to tinker around with radios sometimes. My foster father then took him aside and they discussed tinkering and the pros and cons of blue and red wires. I tried to listen along, but honestly, go distracted. I wonder if Berjes would visit me one day in Apple Valley...maybe we could go to university together and rent an apartment together and get married and have children...

Old and New Tricks

2008-09-27T11:23:00.000-07:00

I decided to try fire dancing...again. This time I have performed much better than I did in my youth. Thank goodness, I hate burn marks!

Rest, finally

2008-09-18T11:04:00.000-07:00

I haven't much time to relax during this trip since I've been in the studio recording or making apprearences. Finally I had a simday to myself and my family went to the beach. I decided to get a tan and laze away the day in the sun. Thankfully I didn't burn. I miss Bill though, being away from him is hard. I managed to talk to him on the phone once. He said that it's boring since he's home alone with his step-grandmother since his dad and step-mom went to Palatial Heights. Now that's a glamourous hood, I wouldn't mind moving there.

Boys

2008-09-17T11:29:00.000-07:00

I've seen a young man follow Susie about during this vacation. I must keep my eye on him, I am not fond of the way he eyes my little Susie. He reminds me of the men I went to college with, those who chased the ladies with only one thing in thier head.

New Look?

2008-09-16T10:43:00.000-07:00

This vacation has made me realize that I need a new hairstyle, my hair is quite puffy now and I use a lot of hairspray to make it stay in place. I wish I had bright red hair or even blond hair like Faith. When I'm older, I will dye it, until then I have to stick with boring black hair. Ugh, this cut makes my face look fat!

Relating

2008-09-14T11:18:00.000-07:00

Wow, this trip has been wonderful. I ran into a friend from high school and we chatted about what is new in our lives. She mentioned how Sokitumi has changed since they have allied with several other islands and peace has been restored. Now the islands benefit from a growing tourism industry and she works by giving tours in the lemon groves. She couldn't believe that I am now a wife of a pastor, especially since we came from our culture of many gods and goddesses. I wonder how our life would have been if Lyndon and I stayed in Sokitumi.

Fire Secrets

2008-09-08T10:27:00.000-07:00

Could our blue alien ancestors hold the key to the secret of fire? I was fascinated by the twirls and spins of the dancing man. The sense of something so elemental and basic flashing and slicing the air.

The voices are getting louder, saying that time is running out. I must get Susie and I back to our home planet. We are the heirs to the blue alien throne, my siblings and I are princes and princesses. Our ancestor Bubo was a princess. My ancestors told me this while I was searching the stars. The falling star in the south, I must find it. The double moons hold the key!

Fearful!

2008-09-06T11:39:00.000-07:00

Simmerville published an article about Blue & Green Aliens, and now Nicole and I must meet with the hood council to discuss our foster children. I'm not sure what will happen or how we can make sure that they won't experience this conflict of the mind. To be honest, Susie is the least of the hood's worries. It's Harvis that this meeting is truly about. Harvis is devoted to star gazing every night and he claims that he is trying to talk to his blue ancestors. Thankfully there are not descendants of green aliens in the hood-only some ozian genes, because otherwise the hood would have a much larger issue on thier hands.

Celebrity?

2008-09-04T10:33:00.000-07:00

During my contract signing and recording session, I had some free time to explore the island and guess who I ran into! Chad Vanderburg of Pahala Shore!!!! I was so excited! I got his autograph of course and told him about my record contract and he even listened to me before he left. Could I become a celebrity one day?

Crush

2008-09-02T10:35:00.000-07:00

I met a boy on our travels and the best part is that he doesn't mind the fact that I'm partial alien. In fact he loves it! He told me that he recognized the blue alien traits in my face and we talked a little bit about the paranormal activities that plaque simnation. He asked me out on a date for later, we will watch the stars and stare at the moon! OOOO!!! I'm so very excited!!!

Home!

2008-09-01T10:22:00.000-07:00

My children were finally able to visit my home of Sokitumi. Things are different now, the huts are better equipped and now that the island is open to tourists again, the sky just seems brighter. I took them to see the volcano and showed them the native flora and fauna. We visited my family and was good to have them finally see thier grandchildren.

Food Expo Thoughts

2008-08-21T16:55:00.000-07:00

The residents here have been very good to us. Some of them decided to hold a "Build a Pantry" for us this simSunday. Basically sims will donate food items to us for our pantry so we can save money. That is great since I barely get a salary for my work as pastor and Nicole is bringing in most of the income-not to mention with three growing teens and three hungry pets, costs can get a bit out of hand.

I talked with Grex to discuss the details of the Charity Fish Fry. I am still collecting fish from the residents and Nicole will grill several fish plates. We're either going to sell them in the church yard or have Grex sell them in the market and then the profits will go towards the new church renovation project.

When I'm not fulfilling my pastoral duties-which isn't often-I try to spend some time with the kids. Faith is growing up so fast and Susie and Harvis are right behind her. I try to talk with Harvis-mano y mano-but...well, he always wants to discuss the stars and the state of alien sim relationships. I'm trying to keep my eye open for all the things they warned us about the twins, but Harvis...well, he's beginning to scare me a bit.

Supporting the Hood

2008-08-16T17:03:00.000-07:00

As chef at The Peacock, I wanted to make sure that I participated in the Food Expo. So that meant a lot of early morning or late evening trips to sites for food discussions or participating in the events.

At home I am making the kids rotate chores, Lyndon said it would be easier to assign them all permenent chores. I guess so, they still have to clean thier rooms and make thier beds, but one could clean bathrooms, one could make breakfasts or lunches to take to school and the other could feed the animals and clean thier bedding.

O! The family is going to stop by Sokitumi during our vacation. I am excited and nervous to see the old village, I wonder if my relatives will recognize me without my native attire.

Big Life Updates

2008-08-12T09:45:00.000-07:00

I am learning to play the piano, like my grandmother Squirly. I'm not as good as I heard she was, but I'm working on it. My foster parents support my efforts, they even let me play at the church for a special event, even though the congregation wasn't fond of my music. They are really nice people, they care about us a lot even though we're not thier kids, but neither is Faith-she's adopted. I sometimes wish that they would adopt us, but they can't. Something about some arrangement, but they said that they love us just as much regardless if they have a piece of paper or not. That's pretty cool.

We are going on a trip this next simday, my foster sister is signing a music contract and we all get to fly to the island for a free vacation with her! I'm excited, maybe one day I will have a record contract for playing the piano. I could be famous and have a vacation home by the sea...or in the mountains! I miss my other brothers and sisters, I wish that I could see them or they come here for a visit. I decided to write to them, maybe they'll respond.

I am investing the money that I recieved from my family in Simmerville, I spent most of it (well the amount that we could) on my new room, but now I wish I had brought a piano instead. I am going to use the rest for university. After I graduate, I want to move to the urban area and get an apartment (and a piano) and maybe get married. No, not maybe, I do want to get married. I have to look beyond the borders of AV for a husband, the only teen boy not related to me is dating my foster sister Faith and that would be gross. Though he did say I was cute, I felt all tingly inside when he said it, but Faith would kill me if she knew that I felt that way about him. So I try to avoid him, I still want Faith to be my friend and my almost sister.

I started Level II at school. My focus is creative arts so I spend my days playing the piano and sometimes practicing at the ballet barre. I also got a job at the AV Gift Shop as a cashier, but with the new technology coming out, I have to find a new job. Maybe I could tend yards in the hood, I hear that a lot of families hate tending thier gardens. I could rake leaves and water plants and weed. I love flowers after all! But it's almost winter time so the gardens would probably die anyway. I'll keep looking.

Slow Life in AV

2008-08-06T09:59:00.000-07:00

Life is slow here in AV. I work at the Medical Centre, it keeps my logical skills strong. I am still looking to the stars, hoping that my blue ancestors will come for me and take me to the home planet.

My foster mom doesn't like it , she thinks something bad might happen. What is so bad about my ancestors picking me up? I would love that! Susie doesn't say much when I tell her about my plan, but I see in her eyes that she doesn't like it. She doesn't need to worry, I will make sure that they bring her along as well. I know that she would like to go to the home planet. I would also arrange for them to come for my other siblings in Simmerville and we can be reunited.

I started Level II at school. My focus is logical studies, so I am hunched over a microscope all day trying to find traces of alien remenants in the soil. So far, very little success. There are traces of other prehistoric cultures, but not alien. We are going to the islands, so I will bring back samples to analyze as well.

Hard Work

2008-07-25T13:18:00.000-07:00

This record contract is hard work. I am in the studio a lot recording and we're setting up a simnational tour. I will have to leave Apple Valley for a while to travel and that means leaving Bill behind. We're going steady now and I haven't told my parents that we've woohoo'd, but then again, why should they care?

Grown Up!

2008-07-17T13:16:00.000-07:00

I am now a teen and I have a new haircut! I was able to redo my room and I can't wait to go shopping and go to the beach to get a tan. I wonder if I will find a nice boy there, someone to share my life with. Harvis is so concerned with the past, but I want to move forward to the future...like babies and such! I just want all my dreams of prince charming to come true.

Birthday!

2008-07-08T13:13:00.000-07:00

My twin sister and I celebrated our teen birthday and I love the fact that I can be more independant. Unfortunately, there wasn't any clothing for us, only a few donated items, but Lyndon and Nicole (our foster parents since we are from Simmerville) promised to buy us new clothing and take us to the salon. But first we're going on vacation to sunny Tiki Isle. It's a free trip...I wonder if there are any alien relics there? Maybe I could find clues to our past.

Growing Pains

2008-06-30T14:46:00.000-07:00

All Faith talks about is this recording contract, I must admit, it is a nice thing for her, especially since the studio is flying the entire family out for recording, so we have a free vacation! At least her head is straight, she wants to lock the money into the bank and gain some interest so she can buy a condo on an island.

Bill...What Happened

2008-06-28T14:39:00.000-07:00

It started off as an innocent hug from my best friend, Bill...then...I looked at him and his shiny red hair and bright eyes. Yikes! I think I was smittened! (As mother likes to say). What happened!

Musical Talents

2008-06-20T14:44:00.000-07:00

The girls did well at the service, though Susie could stand to practice a bit more...maybe we should invest in a piano for her, but her teen birthday is almost here, so I'll see if she desires a piano at that time. Harvis is...well, Harvis. While Susie loves flowers and music and dancing...Harvis tends to be more serious, staring at the stars and talking about aliens all the time. I worry about him.

Puppies

2008-06-19T14:37:00.000-07:00

The dogs had puppies, only two of them, but I managed to sell them both. Mrs. Herendez brought one and Bill brought the other one. Mr. Grey said that if they have more puppies, he would like one for his farm.

I gotta practice for my recording, we did the photo shoot and the CD will be released soon!

Blessed Harvest

2008-06-15T14:41:00.000-07:00

The service went well and a nice crowd showed, both of the girls played and did rather well. In fact, Faith was offered a recording contract due to her playing. Nicole and I agreed to let her persue it since opportunities for violinists to record CDs are not very often.

Training

2008-06-14T05:42:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to train Praise-but I've given up, instead I had Praise and Prayer breed-so maybe they'll be puppies soon and we can sell them!

A Contract!

2008-06-12T07:08:00.000-07:00

WOWOWOWOWOW!!!! I was-no-I AM signed to SiMusic Records for my debut CD!!!!!!!!!!!

EEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!! So exciting!

Ok, I played for the Blessed Harvest Celebration Service at church and I guess word got around and then Fiorenza Pentragnani called me and had me play over the phone. She is flying me and my family to Bottom Beach to sign a contract!!! Awesome! A vacation and a contract all in one!

Babies

2008-06-09T05:40:00.000-07:00

Preparing for the 1st set of baby dedications on the island. I've talk with Johan about it, I need to get my speech prepared. After the Shazad's, the Grey's and then the Dawson's, not to mention the Wilsonoff's-whew! Lots of babies being born!

Grown up

2008-05-29T17:06:00.000-07:00

finally a teen-I had a skating party at the park, then my party at the house. I like violin and music just like my mom and little sister, Susie. I'm going to get my hair done and buy new clothes-mom said I could.

Blessed Harvesty

2008-05-25T17:05:00.000-07:00

There's a ccandal with the date change of Blessed Harvest Day, even the groom of the supposed reasoning behind the date change is embarrassed and confused.

The girls will be performing at the service, they're so cute praticing-I told them no dancing though, so they will play some musical renditions.

The Children

2008-05-13T16:32:00.000-07:00

The children are doing so much better now. I am so proud. We spent some of the money from Harvis and Susie's parents in upgrading the house-we added an extra bedroom and remodeled upstairs so each child has thier own room. We also allowed them to decorate the room however they wanted.

Susie chose lots of flowers (mix-matched, but it didn't matter) and yellows for her room. She has been showing an interest in music. I recall that her grandmother was a semi-famous piano player. Perhaps I will buy her a small piano for her room.

Harvis chose dark blue, black and grey for his room. Also some space inspired paintings and toys. Lyndon says I should watch him a bit more and monitor his star gazing activities, but I think that he will be fine. He's simply interested in his past-his culture.

Faith chose purple and purple. Instead of lots of decor she chose a violin and it sounds wonderful. She has natural talent. Perhaps she and Susie can start a band. I can teach them of course.

What's going on?

2008-04-22T10:44:00.000-07:00

I came back from my duties at the church and visiting residents and the children were all asleep on the sofas. Nicole said that they had a very busy day, with school and playing with thier pets. Wow.

I must talk to Nicole, the kids are getting older and they should have chores. Right now they make thier beds and keep thier rooms clean, but they should also take over feeding the pets and clearing the tables. A rotation would work. Each simday each child could clear the table, feed the pets, clean the bathroom, and water the plants.

Resting and Thinking

2008-04-07T10:41:00.000-07:00

I went into work a little later today and instead spent some time cleaning the house and writing in my diary. With the cat purring at my feet and the rain beating on the windows, it was a nice relaxing time.

Work is going well. I no longer play the piano, in fact, the piano is gone. I am now the chef (the previous chef died) and I am in charge of cooking the wonderful items on the menu. We added a new recipe, a geniune Sokitumi recipe and the patrons seem to enjoy it.

I wonder how my family is? I want to send them a photo of the family so they can see thier grandchildren.

An Unexpected Visitor

2008-03-22T10:37:00.000-07:00

Ayanna Kent stopped by today right before I walked the children to school. Her husband died during the night and she wanted to chat about funeral services. I told her to call me later or I'd stop by The Centre to chat with her.

Well, the funeral will be rather small. A wake at thier house, I'll speak a few words and then the family will walk to the church to have his tomb laid at rest. Such a sad time, especially with thier daughter getting married soon. A damper on the events if you ask me.

Bonding

2008-03-20T10:29:00.000-07:00

Faith and Susie seem to be bonding quite nicely. They share a bedroom and it's decorated in purple (for Faith) and flowers (for Susie). Susie isn't as outgoing as Faith, but Faith seems to have taken Susie under her wing-even though they are the same age. However Susie does teach Faith new things. They were playing chess and Susie talked to Faith a little bit about the blue alien history. It was the first I heard of one of the twins discussing thier history and I wasn't aware that Susie knew so much...I wonder if she was taught or was it inate?

A Son

2008-03-18T10:33:00.000-07:00

Boys are different from girls. At least Harvis is very different from Susie and Faith. I shouldn't expect them to be the same, but...

I sat down with Harvis at CupaJava (I wish we had taken the kids to the park instead, but Nicole wanted to pick up some baked goods and she ran into friends and got into a long conversation) and we chatted about his recent move from Simmerville to Apple Valley. He talked about his aunt and his older siblings. I encouraged him to post on the SUN boards, but he said that he rather stare at the stars.

I think I should keep him away from the telescope, there were warnings about the blue and green aliens. What if his blue alien ancestors want him to return to thier planet? What if the green aliens kidnap him? No, perhaps he should look into another hobby...like music.

Chilly

2008-03-12T10:47:00.000-07:00

I ran into Carmela at CupaJava and we chatted about the weather and the need for the children to get new coats and sweaters to prepare for the chill. She said that the next time I stop at The Blossom Salon, that her husband would give us a discount on our purchases. That would be nice, with three sets of coats and sweaters to buy and Susie needs a haircut as well, any discount would be appreciated. Thankfully the twins inherited some simoleans from thier father in Simmerville. a little of $11,000 each. We are only allowed to use 25% of thier funds for help with thier upbringing now-but that will be plenty to add an addition to the house so they can have seperate rooms, getting thier clothing and of course food and bills. We're investing the rest in some silver so that they can use it for thier apprenticeship guild funds and future families. I must visit the bank and get some advice about investing-I wouldn't want thier funds to be depleted

Back on Dry Land

2008-02-25T08:50:00.000-08:00

Finally we are back on dry land and getting settled into our new home. The children are adjusting nicely, they talked us into getting a pet... three pets to be exact. Faith got a small dog named Preach, Harvis got a puppy named Praise and Susie got a cat named Prayer. We attended the welcoming ceremony and the children seemed to have a good time. Harvis and Susie kept to themselves, but Faith talked to everyone. Hopefully they'll make new friends once they go to school.

Pets!

2008-02-05T08:53:00.000-08:00

The house is overrun with animals, and then there are the two dogs and a cat that we got the children :)

I hope the pets will help the twins adjust to thier new living situation, we shall see. I need to take the family shopping, with the weather getting cooler we need to visit the local boutique and get some new items for them. Maybe even start planning that family vacation.

My Love

2008-02-03T08:16:00.000-08:00

Nicole and I have discussed our dreams and compared them, they were so similar. It seemed almost like a prophecy, a prophecy of doom. The dreams tell of a rising flood, that Apple Valley will be covered with water and exist no more, but there's more, it's not the end, only the beginning.

Then it happened! Our dreams came true and Apple Valley flooded beyond existance. Wow!

Greetings

2008-01-26T08:18:00.000-08:00

I went to visit my friend, Tatiana, today. She seems so happy. Her career is going well, I wonder if I should have stayed in the industry, but no, I like my life now.

We now have the twins from Simmerville and they are...interesting to say the least. Faith has been playing with them and showing them all around the hood, the twins and Faith are the same age so it looks like there will be lots of triple birthday parties.

Service

2008-01-20T08:10:00.000-08:00

Mid Week Service went well, several sims appeared and afterwards enjoyed coffee and slices of cake. Nicole was so wise to suggest refreshments afterwards, it really builds the community. She's been having terrible nightmares, I am concerned. I've been having similar dreams as well, but I don't want to frighten her, I wonder what God is trying to reveal to us?

Some great news. The twins are going to be joining our family soon. This is all very exciting, but Nicole and I are keeping things a little quiet. We told Faith that our family may be growing soon and she is curious about it of course.

Shopping

2008-01-19T08:12:00.000-08:00

With more sims stopping by the church, I need to buy more coffee and sweets to feed them. Hopefully things will get better at the church, we're thinking about closing the gift shop and only opening it seasonally or even once or twice a simweek, but that means I'll be at home fishing and cleaning more...which honestly is boring. I would like to work, perhaps as a barista or even the local cemetary.

My Daughter

2008-01-19T08:04:00.000-08:00

My daughter is so active, every simday she wants to play baseball or even run around the yard. I am glad that she is active, and very neat as well. She helps around the house without asking, she thinks it's fun to make up beds and clean toliets.

Fishing

2007-12-30T08:06:00.000-08:00

I've taken up teaching Faith how to fish, sometimes we sneak out the house early-Faith still in her PJs to fish in the nearby pond. Her mother would kill me if she knew that Faith didn't have any shoes on by the water.

Dream

2007-12-28T11:49:00.000-08:00

I feel like the walls are slowly squeezing in, water is rising everywhere and I can see nothing-it's so black and dark.

This is the dream I've been having for several nights-waking up in a cold sweat. I am concerned as it always seems the same and it never changes, could it be a sign, could it be a prophecy?

So Close, Yet So Far

2007-11-20T13:38:00.000-08:00

Nicole is sad and Faith is asking why. The twins will not be coming to join our family. Travel restrictions made the fostering impossible and they will stay closer to home. I know it must be for the better, something else will work out, but now we must look at should we try adopting again or waiting a bit more time.

Adoption/Fostering

2007-11-19T11:11:00.000-08:00

We put in a bid to foster the famous McAstral twins from Simmerville. I don't know if our application will be accepted since we barely meet the financial requirements. They might have better lives in another hood.

EDIT: Our application was accepted!!! We are so excited and even better news. The hood council has agreed to renovate our home a bit to prepare for the twins. Somehow we will gain an extra bedroom. I must say I am curious as to how that will happen. Well, soon the twins will arrive and our little family will grow from three to five. I wonder if we are to adopt them or simply foster them?

Busy

2007-11-17T13:40:00.000-08:00

The church gift shop is doing well-we're selling more bibles and some customers have agreed to come to services as well. Hopefully they will attend this simWednesday night service.

Active

2007-11-07T13:39:00.000-08:00

Faith is...how do you say...active? My daughter loves to run, jump, play and swing. I don't know how we're going to keep her from giving us a headache. Nicole wants us to go to the public pool for swimming. That would be nice, however it's been an unseasonable cold summer. I hope things get warmer.

Birthday!

2007-10-25T13:36:00.000-07:00

For Faith's birthday we got her a robot and ate some organic honey as a treat. We even splurged and got a nice set of balloons. Now the hard question, should we adopt another child?

My Daughter

2007-10-18T13:38:00.000-07:00

Faith is a child and very beautiful-bright blond hair and she loves the color purple-we decorated her room a bit with the colors.

Growing

2007-10-01T07:49:00.001-07:00

Little Faith will have a birthday soon and she'll be a child. Is it time to look into adopting another baby...or should we take a family vacation. I am officially at home now-no more working at Tati's, I help with the church's small gift shop-selling bibles and comforting thoses as they wait for Lyndon to be free for counsel. Sometimes a cup of coffee goes a long way.

Now What?

2007-09-19T08:11:00.000-07:00

Nicole thinks it's time for us to adopt again. I think she might be right, I would like to wait until Faith is older, once she starts school so we can focus on another baby. Apparently there's been an influx of children to the local orphanage...Nicole mentioned that we might want to look into creating a orphanage for Apple Valley. I don't know, we don't have very many children that need to be placed in the system.

Last Days

2007-08-31T11:47:00.000-07:00

As my last day draws closer, I can see God's blessing each day. I get larger tips from the customers, Tatiana has been helping me with the tables and even Selita was a bit nicer to me before she left...she said that she's moving to persue her music career. I've heard her play...she should keep her day job. Shame on me, that wasn't nice at all.

I have a CupaJava $200 Gift Certificate that I need to spend, I might buy some nice baked goods and perhaps a book or two.

Blessings

2007-08-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

God has truly blessed me. I have a wonderful wife, beautiful daughter and a promising congregation.

Nicole is going to start teaching piano lessons and having a choir for the church, we're also going to make it a habit to invite members over for dinner or at least tea and cake four times a simweek.

Music Program

2007-08-24T21:10:00.000-07:00

Lyndon and I talked late into the evening once Faith was in bed, he reminded me of my love for acting and music and suggested that I start teaching piano at the church and maybe starting a choir. For some reason he thinks that this will help with the toxic attitudes of the residents, we'll see. We are also talking about adopting another child, then we would have two meembuj (children).

Island Treats

2007-08-13T20:31:00.000-07:00

I found an old recipe from my courtship with Lyndon, Kesme Chae-De. It's a dessert made with pomegranates stuffed with cream cheese or yogurt and covered in a chocolate cran-creeper sauce, served chilled, but the sauce is warm. There are not any cran-creepers in Apple Valley, so I sent Lydon to the market for cranberries and rasberries instead.

Cran-creeper is a type of vegetable on a vine with red berries that look and taste alot like cranberries. The vegetable has a similar flavor to raspberries. In my native country, the vine from the crancreeper is wound around the plate and the dessert is set ontop of it. It looks very pretty, but doesn't taste very good.

Pastoral Notes: 1st Service

2007-08-06T09:52:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it, we finally had our first church service. A few sims showed up and there as a very generous offering. Thanks to the offering and the fundraisers from the Food Expo, we were able to do some remodeling of the church. I now have an office to counsel and the gift shop is larger. Nicole found some nice bibles to sell in the store during the weekdays and after services. Now I must start work on the second sermon!

Reminders...Journeys

2007-07-23T19:53:00.001-07:00

How did I get here?

How did I go from Ng*Caima Hi*maya, (the * is where a tongue-click would be pronounced), the girl from Sokitumi Island who used to worship the goddesses & gods (including my favorite, Goddess Lahubutaniya (the goddess of love); Anghj; Feomah (the mother goddess); Angh Tamahou (the god of fertility) the big Volcano god, Wan Sockem-lugi), to the wife of the pastor in this small town? From a university student studying drama and desiring to be a broadway actress to a wife and mother? How I almost married a count that my family chose for me, but instead I was able to marry Lyndon.

I have changed so much, yet I am still the same. Concern about my family still is a priority, but now my family focus is on Faith and Lyndon, instead of my siblings.

I fear that I have forgotten most of my native tongue, Sokitumian, for lack of using it. I am going to help Faith learn some basic words like Mah (Mom) and Parther (Dad).

I even found my old blog. http://nichumphrey.livejournal.com/

Pastoral Notes: A Season for Planting

2007-07-18T11:50:00.000-07:00

and a season for harvest. Not only in the natural world are there seasons for harvesting crops and planting crops, but spiritually as well. I am continually reminded about my flock, the residents of the hood and how like the plants in my garden I am to nuture them, prune them at times, toss fertilizer on them and water them. God will cause the growth and then they will be ripe and ready for harvest. I have been praying about the spiritual state of the hood, residents seems to coast through life as if there is no God, that life is simply a state of wake up-work-eat-sleep. As if they are robots. I hope to get through to them that they are more than that-life can have purpose and meaning, but...well I struggle with how. Thank God for my lovely wife, Nicole. She thinks of the best ideas to spread the message around the hood, be it lectures, opening our home for dinners or what have you. She is truly my helpmate, I don't know what I would do without her in my life.

Musing

2007-07-16T12:31:00.000-07:00

the spiritual state of the hood each morning over tea before I leave for work. I sense the pain and sorrow in the hearts of the residents. Lyndon knows it as well, God shares that with him during his prayertime.

I told Lyndon that we need to open our home up for dinners. Invite each neighbor at least once to fellowship in our home, regardless of thier relationship or lack of relationship with God. We must open our arms to them.

Mano-e-Mano

2007-07-06T13:45:00.000-07:00

I visited the Farmer's Market to look around and experience the Food Expo. I spoke with Leroy, the owner and the previous pastor of the hood before the great scandal. He said that I am doing a great job and to keep my wife happy, I told him that sometimes trying to keep them happy doesn't stop them from...well, he knew what I was talking about. I invited him to service and I said that I hoped to see him there. Nicole wants to serve refreshments after service, mostly cake and tea. I miss her island cooking, maybe I can find some ingrediants to surprise her.

Mommy Dearest

2007-06-29T12:26:00.000-07:00

How I love my daughter. I can't believe that I have to leave her during the day, but when I'm home with her, she loves me so much. She loves for me to toss her in the air and to read to her. Also, Lyndon welcomes the break, sometimes he needs to study for his sermons or pray and meditate to God and Faith isn't so understanding.

We're discussing having me quit my job and come home to take care of Faith and maybe open the gift shop a bit more often. I'm not sure, his salary isn't a lot, but like the Bible says, God will provide.

Whose the Daddy?

2007-06-19T12:30:00.000-07:00

I admit, I spoil my daughter. She loves to eat cake and especially birthday cake, so I buy her cake all the time. Not good for her teeth, but I love spoiling her. Maybe we should adopt a pet for her...when she's older of course.

Nicole and I are preparing the grounds for the Food Expo, there will be some events held here-hopefully we will make more contacts and have the church congregation grow a bit more.

Love

2007-06-18T06:25:00.000-07:00

I am glad that my husband and I are still very much in love. I wonder how we can spread that joy to other couples? Maybe we can host a love seminar? I should ask him. I told Lyndon about the little girl I saw and heard about. I think she's being neglected, her parents seem to care less for her. Perhaps we can give her a home. Faith could have a sister-they're about the same age, and we could have another child. Would the parents accept this or would we need to call child services? Would we legally adopt the girl or simply raise her as our own? Lots of questions.

Happy Birthday Faith!

2007-06-16T12:24:00.000-07:00

Faith's birthday went well, she loved the toy that Lyndon picked up for her. We ate cake and listened to her play her new toy.

I wonder...will there be more children in our future? How will we be able to help the community more? Lyndon wants us to host a revival. A revival? I wonder if the residents are ready for such, it's hard enough getting them to come to church for services, much less revivals.

Birthday!

2007-06-13T14:42:00.000-07:00

Faith's birthday will be soon. I visited the Toy Shoppe to find a nice gift for her...something a toddler girl would enjoy...I'm so excited about her birthday!

I was looking at her the other day as I fed her her nightly bottle. She resembles Nicole and I. Her eyes are bright blue like mine and she has wisps of blond hair like Nicole's. Even her skintone is the perfect blend of my vanilla and Nicole's cocoa.

Grilling

2007-06-06T08:26:00.000-07:00

I was making the rounds around the hood and stopped by Celebration Park. While making a salad I saw so many lost souls walking about. I hope I can reach them, help them. Thankfully there will be two dinners at the church during the Food Expo, partly to raise money for some renovations at church (I need an office so I can counsel residents; the gift shop is too small and crowded; and the roof is leaking), partly to meet more residents and invite them to services.

Work

2007-05-31T06:24:00.000-07:00

Things are going along rather well. I had to preside over a few weddings and some funerals as well. Lots of elders are breathing thier last. I have to prepare for simSunday's sermon. Nicole has been inviting sims to the service and I am trying to make friends and form connections. Faith is growing bigger each day, such a wonderful child. I wonder if we will adopt another child? Nicole says that there's a little girl in the hood that she's worried about, B_____. Apparently her mother has no desire for her and her mother's husband doesn't want the child either. I would hate for the child to be neglected.

I'm a Mother on Mother's Day

2007-05-28T06:21:00.000-07:00

Early simThursday I became a mother. Ironic since it is also the simday that the hood honors the mothers. Will I do this right? Can I raise her effectively? Thank goodness Lyndon is here encouraging me every step of the way. Tatiana, my boss, was even kind enough to give me three simdays paid parent leave.

Faith

2007-05-14T10:45:00.000-07:00

Wow. God has been amazing. Simply amazing. Our faith has been through a test, but because of our faith we now have Faith!

It's amazing. We had almost given up hope. The fertility treatment resulted in a miscarriage, the adoption agency would never come by with our child. Then amazing! Very amazing! Nicole and I woke up this simThursday morning very early in the morning (about 1:30am) full of energy and restless. I headed outside (in the rain) to check on our tomato plants and Nicole was working on tidying the house up. Lo and behold, a blue van pulls up outside our door! The adoption agency was stopping by with our child! Our child!!!

We are now the proud parents of little Faith Humphrey. She's a cutie, medium skin and bright blue eyes. Nicole and I have been in awe. It doesn't matter that we now have a loan of $7000 (IVF treatment and adoption fees) that must be repaid. That loan is just part of the evidence of the struggle we went through to get little Faith. She is priceless

No Baby Despite Desperate Measures

2007-05-11T07:42:00.000-07:00

Still no baby. We've been experimenting with some desperate measures now. We tried fertility treatments, which are very expensive, $5000 each try. It would figure that we lost the embryo...embryo...why do they call it an embryo. It's a child.

*sigh*

The simWednesday night service was ok. I was tired, only three sims showed up. Maybe simSunday will be better. I will personally call residents to invite them over then.

*sigh*

Why does it seem like the joy of parenthood eludes us.