Adamson Family Legacy

Roscoe's NaNo Theme Song

2007-11-24T20:08:00.001-06:00

Dream Home Subdivision

2007-04-01T10:55:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Dream Home Lane

We will be touring model homes chosen specifically for The Land's newest subdivision. There will actually be six different models to choose from when the community opens for the general public.

The first one of the model homes we will be touring is 15575 Dream Home Lane.

As you can see, the landscapers have not started working yet. We have had fresh sod laid but that is the extent so far. I understand that they will be coming in this week and know from prior experience that they are fast workers.

Here we have the back of the house. Yes, I know that there is not much area to expand, but that also means less grass to mow, right? (insert forced laugh here)

Ummm, right. Shall we step inside?

Here we have the ground floor of the home.
1) Entry foyer
2) Living Room with corner fireplace
controller's note: I could not get the real fireplace to go diagonal for anything. I'll do more research and try to get that before the model goes into upload
3)Dining Room/Kitchen Area
4) Master Bath
5) Master Bedroom
6) Garage
7) Guest Bath
8) Study or Office

On the second floor we see;
9) Family/Game Room
10) Bedroom (feminine shades)
11) Upstairs Bath
12) Bedroom (masculine shades)

Even the roof itself has been maticulousily scrutinized. Several plans had to be scrapped until the builder found the perfect roof for your new home.

This home has a base price of §32,919.
Of course, that price is without landscaping or furnishings.

Fixer-Upper Contest (Stage 5)

2007-01-13T08:55:00.000-06:00

Hello again.

So, here we are in the final stage of this contest. This is where I get to tell you all how my decorating skills worked or didn't.

But first, I've been re-reading my previous contest entries and realized that I hadn't introduced you to the man who made this whole village possible. Geoffrey Gates.

It was his idea to open the ghost town as a re-enactment village to compliment the new Dude Ranch. Yeah, yeah. I know that I was really against the whole idea at first but I've actually enjoyed this past year of building, remodeling, planting and everything! It sure beats the boring old job I had.

At first Geoffrey was hesitant to have his photo taken. It turns out that his cousin is well-known for what he called "rather nefarious reasons." But I talked him into letting me add one photo to the album.

Geoffrey's been such a great friend to us that if we have a boy, Rodney wants to name it after Geoff. I want to use Rod's middle name, Allen, for a boy though.

Oh, I'm sorry. You're not here for baby stuff, are you? You're here to see the house. Let's go inside shall we?

Review of Previous Stages

2007-01-13T08:54:00.000-06:00

Stage 2

The only (possible) problem that I had on the entire first floor was the cat and the chair. Since Newt has been trained not to jump on the furniture I don't know if this is him admiring the chair or not being able to get onto it.

Although, since there's no red line through the image and no squiggly dotted line I think he's just checking out his new surroundings.

Stage 3

Someone asked about the bed in the master bedroom and whether or not it worked. Here's your answer.

Rod and I could get in bed, but it wasn't a pretty sight.

And getting out of bed was just as funny.

So Rodney rearranged the furniture a little bit and we went with a more traditional decorating style.

Plus, we had to move the big poinsettia out to the hallway. It was just too big after the rearranging.

2007-01-13T08:53:00.000-06:00

Stage 4

The outside had only one small problem. Harvesting the crops.

The cabbage patch was in back of the pumpkin patch.

Rodney was afraid to harvest the cabbage thinking he'd somehow damage the pumpkins.

So we did a little re-planting and now both variety of crops are easier to harvest.

***Controller's note: Since the animals in the petting zoo are all considered statues they aren't being shown in this update.***

Changes in Layout

2007-01-13T08:52:00.000-06:00

Here's the new layout of the bedroom. As you can see, it works just fine now.

And here's the new garden layout.

***Controller's note: the tomato plants and strawberries don't seem to be harvestable, apparently they are only decorations. I played the house for three days and never had the option to water or trim them so they must be similar to trees as far as the game is concerned.***

And the Last of the New Additions

2007-01-13T08:51:00.000-06:00

Well, like I said before, this past year has been a great experience for me. I was so glad that we had the house completed and tested before I had the baby.

...Umm, Pen? I see the blue icon above your head, but your expression doesn't quite agree with the happy memory sign. Is something wrong?...

Don't worry. The baby's fine. He's just fine. Ten fingers, ten toes, two eyes, a cute button nose.

He's perfect. Absolutely perfect.

...Then what's with the long face?...

Well, I went into labor while Rodney was at work. I called the midwife and she got here in plenty of time. But, ummmm... Well. Allow me introduce you to Allen Geoffrey Foster.

...PENELOPE! You've got some 'splaining to do...

FixerUpper Challenge (Stage 4)

2007-01-06T20:52:00.000-06:00

Well, a few things have changed since the last time I saw you. We just moved in to the old Haskins' Mercantile. So as of now, for as long as we live here, we will need to be in costume whenever we might be seen.

Excuse me, but my degree is in Business Management not Drama! Rodney still thinks of this as an adventure and I keep telling myself that he's right. In more ways than one.

I'm sorry. You're not here to hear me complain. You're here to see the changes we've made to the old place.

I have to admit that I chose a few of these pictures specifically for the comparision to the brochure photos. A picture from the left front of the house.

One from the rear of the building.

2007-01-06T20:51:00.000-06:00

During remodeling Geoffrey and Rodney found a few "soft spots" in the roof. We all discussed the options and decided to patch it instead of replacing it.

The old siding, however, had to go. We found some wood shingles to replace the ugly old gray ones. We also added new black tarpaper to the roof of the porch.

Speaking of which, we now have a porch. I'm already in love with the swing we had installed there. And of course the view.

We tried to remove the old dead tree that was in the side yard but couldn't get all of the roots out. There was no way I was going to look at that stump all the time. That's how I came up with the idea of the rock garden.

We planted tall grass all around the stump so that it wasn't seen. Next Geoffrey started to work on choosing and sorting stones for the path. Watching the men sweat and toil under the hot sun was quite enjoyable. Of course, I made sure that I had a large pitcher of lemonade available at all times.

Although there isn't lots of space in the side yard I think the men did a good job with the path, the boulders and the plants.

2007-01-06T20:50:00.000-06:00

Because each household is supposed to be self-supporting Rodney and I found ourselves with a dilemma. Originally, Rodney's plan was for us to live upstairs and have the downstairs of the mercantile be a souvenir shop.

I convinced him otherwise. What can I say? I wanted a kitchen and a second bath and Rodney didn't want to live here by himself.

He came up with a second plan.

The Mercantile now has a petting zoo!

OK, it isn't much as money-makers go, but we are able to sell the eggs to a small restaurant that opened up in the old saloon. Plus, a local nursery has a large variety of roses, so the pony pays his way as well and eventually Rodney wants to buy a cow as well.

Of course, I have no idea where he thinks he's going to put a cow, but he says he has a plan.

I'm sure that you'll understand when I say that I still get nervous when he says things like that. It was one of his plans that got us here, right?

2007-01-06T20:49:00.000-06:00

Here's a quick overhead view of what we've done.

Here's my rock garden and the new porch and small garden. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the garden next to the porch, didn't I?

And here's an overhead of the petty zoo. Currently in residence we have;
one pony, two sheep, five piglets and nine chickens.

2007-01-06T20:43:00.000-06:00

One White German Shepherd named Wolfgang...

Newt, the ferocious attack-kitty...

And one "soon to appear" edition to the family.

Fixer-Upper Challenge (part 3)

2006-12-19T22:15:00.000-06:00

Penelope dreaded what awaited her upstairs. She was very pleased at how the main floor turned out but the second story was a different... well, story.

What could she do with three rooms and a hallway?

After many hours of sitting on the floor and looking around, she came to the conclusion that structurally speaking, there were only two changes she felt had to be made.

She wasn't ready to admit it to Rodney, but she was really enjoying all of this. Sure it was hard work but she felt she could almost see the old house coming to life again. Could see the character of the house re-establishing itself through her hands.

2006-12-19T22:14:00.000-06:00

Penelope decided to start off with the area directly above the stairs. Removing the partial wall and replacing it with a simple railing helped to open up the area right away.

She found some old antique toys that needed serious cleaning, repairing and repainting but she bought them anyways. She started repairing and repainting them whenever she had some downtime. After all, it wasn't as though she was going on "Antique SimHouse" with them, right?

2006-12-19T22:13:00.000-06:00

The next room down the hall was the bath.

Why is it, she wondered, the smallest rooms are the most difficult? Some nice appliques on the sides of the facilities helped bring the room together.

2006-12-19T22:11:00.000-06:00

Penelope debated on the use of the small room. After having the men shorten the hallway that led to the room it at least felt a little larger.

Guest room or nursery? Finally, a local used furniture shoppe made the decision for her.

A chaise lounge, crib and a beautiful large quilted rug made it an easy choice.

2006-12-19T22:10:00.000-06:00

Although Rodney was not the "flowers and lace" type, Penelope loved the new look of the master bedroom.

The romantic look of the room made her smile everytime she walked in.

2006-12-19T22:09:00.000-06:00

All in all, Penelope was pleased and how well she was keeping everything in the... Ummm, ala mode. It was a long journey to get to this point but now she wanted to stay in the house all the time.

Looking out the windows she realized that the yard didn't have near the charm that the house had developed. Sadly, the thought occurred to her that maybe she should tackle the outside next.

Landscaping? Ugggh! Maybe she'd wait until after the holidays for that.

The latest appraiser had shown the house worth §75,180. Pen knew that if the outside looked as nice as the in, it would only add to the value of the house.

Fixer-Upper Challenge (part 2)

2006-12-17T14:45:00.000-06:00

Rodney had barely gotten out of the car when Penelope came running out to meet him.

"So, he's a thief, right? It's all a con-job! There isn't really a ghost town, is there? Now can I call the police? The Better Business Bunch? Someone? Can we get our money back?"

"Whoa, Pen! Calm down. Lets go inside and I'll tell you everything."

2006-12-17T14:44:00.000-06:00

"Pen, there really is a house, and a ghost town, and it's all legit. We can start moving anytime now."

"I know I really wanted to get out of this old double-wide but not like this. Rod, I've been reading that blasted contract and it looks pretty iron-clad to me. What are we going to do?"

"I guess we're going to move and make our new home something to be proud of."

2006-12-17T14:43:00.000-06:00

"Pen, I know it seems like terrible timing with the holiday so close, but I've already started some of the rehab myself. Geoffrey was already moved in to his house and helped with the heavy stuff. Plus, since the whole village is going to be authentic we'll be able to get extra funding to help with remodeling and reconstruction."

"How much money? And what do they mean by "authentic?"

"Well, it means that the remodeling, decorations, furniture, almost everything, must be 'in the period' of the original town. And... um... Pen, that includes all decorations. Even Christmas."

"But that town has been dead for over a hundred years. What about my light display? My electric Rudolph? My "Christmas Vacation" homage?"

2006-12-17T14:42:00.000-06:00

"Awww, Pen. I know that you can do this. You're smart and talented. I know that you can make it work."

2006-12-17T14:41:00.000-06:00

So after a good cry, Penelope got to work. She had some research to do. Lots of research.

The Fixer-Upper (Holiday Edition)

2006-12-17T14:40:00.000-06:00

After scrounging through many Sim-terNet sites, Penelope found what she needed to make this strange little building a home. Although she was really starting to hate the phrase 'in the period,' she had to admit that she was enjoying the research.

She found a beautiful mannequin for a small donation to someone named Sussi as well as some paintings and samplers.

2006-12-17T14:39:00.000-06:00

A few trips to the library gave her some ideas for color 'in the period' and then a few stops to some out of the way junk and antique shops helped some more.

The parlor wasn't very large after Rod and Geoffrey put in the walls for the kitchen but she thought it was still rather cozy.

And thanks to this poster, Pen started referring to the remodeling of their new house as "ala mode" rather than "in the period."

2006-12-17T14:38:00.000-06:00

The kitchen was small but Pen really liked the way it turned out. From the grape leaves in both the wallpaper and the cabinets...

To the little green chairs at the table.

2006-12-17T14:37:00.000-06:00

The few decorations that Pen was able to use actually helped liven up the foyer and keep her in the spirit of the season. She had forgotten how the simplicity of garlands, ribbons and bows had a timeless style of their own.

2006-12-17T14:36:00.000-06:00

Pen secretly thought that the downstairs bath was the most important addition to the remodeling.

She was glad that indoor plumbing was one of the few exceptions allowed in the contract. An outhouse would have been too much 'ala mode' for her to handle.

2006-12-17T14:31:00.000-06:00

Some overhead views of the changes made to the old Haskins' Mercantile.

Parlor

Kitchen

Foyer

First floor

Worth of home is now §43,080

Fixer-Upper Starter Home Contest

2006-11-29T17:35:00.000-06:00

"You did what?!?!?" Penelope knew that her voice was shrill but she couldn't stop.

"You went to your high school reunion and gave our inheritance away? Rodney Allen Foster! Whatever were you thinking?"

Rod tried to hide his flinch at hearing his full name. "Aww Pen, it's not like that. Geoff knew of a great new 'ground-floor' money maker and I... well, I wanted in on it. Take a look at these brochures and you'll see how great this really is."

The brochures told of a former ghost town that was going to be revitalized as a re-enactment village near a Dude Ranch.

Penelope was almost afraid to look at the pictures of what her husband had bought. But she walked over to the computer and typed in the website address. She had to see what their §14,864 had bought them...

2006-11-29T17:34:00.000-06:00

This was the front view of the old mercantile

2006-11-29T17:33:00.000-06:00

This was the back of the building

2006-11-29T17:32:00.000-06:00

The lay-out of the second floor - or living quarters

2006-11-29T17:31:00.000-06:00

The main floor was the salesroom and an office area

2006-11-29T17:11:00.000-06:00

And lastly, the brochure had an aerial shot
http://thesims2.ea.com/exchange/lot_detail.php?asset_id=461345

Me

2006-05-09T22:46:00.000-05:00

First Kiss

2005-12-07T17:40:00.000-06:00

Imari has had a crush on Ramin and has finally gotten up the courage to ask him out on a date.

He came straight from the Precinct House so was still in his uniform. Imari greeted him with a kiss. She loves a man in uniform. Especially this man.

Jewelry Show

2005-12-07T17:39:00.000-06:00

Ramin was so pleased about his latest promotion that he could hardly wait to tell her all about it.

He's heading up the security detail for the Jewelry Show coming to town later in the month. Ramin was impressed at how well Imari listened to his story. Several of the other men in his precinct had warned him that their dates tend to tune out when they talk shop.

Imari's New Job

2005-12-07T17:38:00.000-06:00

Ramin didn't know what Imari's real job was.

Imari couldn't let Ramin get into trouble at work, so she directed her boss' attention to another job. She was able to lead him to believe that the jewelry show was going to be too protected to even try a heist there.

Her boss was so impressed with her suggestions that they gave her a promotion to driver.

Jewelry Heist

2005-12-07T17:37:00.000-06:00

Imari's boss still tried to pull off a heist at the Legacyville Jewelry Show, but Ramin and his team were right on the ball. Several arrests were made which lead to a promotion for Ramin.

Ramin was so excited that he went straight to Imari's house to share the news with her. In his excitement he blurted out a proposal before he realized what he was about to say.

Imari said yes.

Woo-Hoo

2005-12-07T17:36:00.000-06:00

Imari could think of only one way to celebrate Ramin's promotion and their engagement.

The Wedding

2005-12-07T17:35:00.000-06:00

Imari and Ramin were married in a small ceremony. They wrote their own vows and Ramin even sang a special song he had written.

Imari is Glowing

2005-12-07T17:34:00.000-06:00

Before long, Imari discovered that she was pregnant. Both she and Ramin are so happy.

Next Generation

2005-12-07T17:33:00.000-06:00

Stephan was very excited about the thought of a new baby in the house. Having a grandchild was all he talked about anymore.

Ishmael had gotten very good at ignoring his father. Stephan was so lost in his own bliss he never really noticed that Ishmael sole input into the conversations was to nod occasionally.

Game Interrupted

2005-12-07T17:32:00.000-06:00

Ishmael has really enjoyed getting to know Imari better. Before her maternity leave started, it seemed as though when he wasn't at school she was at work.

One day Imari interrupted their daily chess game when she felt her labor pains start.

This Hurts!

2005-12-07T17:31:00.000-06:00

"Ramin! This to your fault! Get yourself down here, now!"

Ismael Reacts

2005-12-07T17:30:00.001-06:00

Ishmael responds to her sister's screams and threats.

Ramin seems to be hiding behind his young brother-in-law.

Generation 10 is Here!

2005-12-07T17:30:00.000-06:00

Imari introduces Jayden to his Father. But wait... there's more.

Twins!

2005-12-07T17:18:00.000-06:00

Imari holds Jason while Ramin cuddles Jayson.

Generation 10 is here and my Legacy Challenge is complete.

Hope and Iris

2005-12-03T09:59:00.001-06:00

"You sure did. Not only that, but you used to try to eat my makeup all the time when you were a baby."

Iris laughs, "Ah Mom. You have got to stop telling me these stories. Are you trying to traumatize me, or what?"

Iris and Hope

2005-12-03T09:59:00.000-06:00

"Thanks for the birthday gift, Mom. You know that was always my favorite necklace of Grandma's."

Hope smiles, "Yeah I know, honey. I was always afraid you were going to break it when you were a baby. You were always pulling on it."

"Com'n Mom. I wouldn't do that!"

Still in Love

2005-12-03T09:57:00.000-06:00

Stephan is still just as much in love with Hope as he was when they married. He still loves to drop to his knee and sing songs to her of his love and her beauty.

This morning though he noticed that it was a little harder to get back up. That last birthday was really rough on him.

Ishmael dreams of home

2005-12-03T09:56:00.000-06:00

Ishmael often dreams of going to visit his "other" home. He loves his family here, but he wants to visit the home planet of the visitors.

He wonders just how big of a rocket will he need?

Snuggle Time

2005-12-03T09:54:00.000-06:00

Stephan and Hope enjoy a little quiet time as they plan for the big double-birthday party tomorrow.

Hope's birthday

2005-12-03T09:53:00.000-06:00

Hope takes a moment to look around at her family and friends before she blows out her candles.

Birthdays always make her think of her place in the Adamson's family legacy. The Adamson's have lived in this town and in this house for nine generations now. She wonders how Imari will add to the story of the family.

(Clockwise from far left - Ramin Centowski, Jan Tellerman, Clay Almassizadeh, Stephan, Hank, Imari, Iris and Steffi)

Time to blow out the candles...

Elder Hope

2005-12-03T09:52:00.000-06:00

And become a Senior Citizen.

Grow-up Dance

2005-12-03T09:51:00.000-06:00

Next is Imari's turn to blow out the candles.

She does a little twist and turn, sets off a few sparklers, and then...

Oh Yeah!

2005-12-03T09:50:00.001-06:00

Imari seems pleased with how well she's... developed.

Iris works on her skills

2005-12-03T09:50:00.000-06:00

Iris has already been accepted at the local university. After reading the literature they sent her, she realized that with a little more work she would be eligible for a few more scholarships.

Here she is trying to maximize her body skill.

Iris Leaves for University

2005-12-03T09:49:00.000-06:00

Before long, it was time for Imari to leave for school.

Goodbye, Iris. You will be missed.

Who's that?

2005-12-03T09:48:00.000-06:00

In all the excitement of getting Iris packed up and off to college, someone got left out.

Who's that strange person walking towards the stairs?

It's Ishmael

2005-12-03T09:46:00.000-06:00

Ishmael was in his room, quietly reading his book when he felt a sudden change come over him.

MOM???

2005-12-03T09:45:00.000-06:00

We end this update on a sad note. Hope passed suddenly one day while her husband was at work. Iris and Ishmael rushed to her side but were unable to make it in time to save her.

Hope will be greatly missed.

(Especially since the controller had forgotten that Hope was the one with all of the friends. Big point loss here.)

Father and Son

2005-11-10T21:30:00.000-06:00

Stephan is so glad that his position as Legacyville Hospital's Chief of Staff allows him to have so many days at home. He doesn't want to miss a moment of time with Ishmael.

Stephan knows that this child is a miracle. As a doctor, he knows that men can't get pregnant. But logic and biology have nothing to do with what he has experienced. However it happened, he knows that this is love, pure and simple.

Imari helps out

2005-11-10T21:29:00.000-06:00

Stephan and Hope weren't sure how Imari and Iris would react to a new brother.

It's obvious though that Imari loves having a baby brother. Ishmael gets lots of care and attention from her. Iris is still too young to really care much either way.

Imari and Iris

2005-11-10T21:28:00.000-06:00

Having Ishmael in the house has had an unexpected effect on Imari. She has discovered the joy of being an older sister. Now she realizes that Iris was following her around and watching her because she looked up to Imari.

Suddenly, she doesn't refer to Iris as "the little brat." Now she's a sweet kid. Strange, but sweet.

What's this?

2005-11-10T21:27:00.000-06:00

Is this the same woman who was furious at his husband for getting abducted? For being pregnant and having an alien baby? Worried about what people would think?

A Proud Husband

2005-11-10T21:26:00.000-06:00

Stephan knows his wife very well. He knew that she couldn't hold out against the love that comes so naturally to her. Ishmael has been working his way into Hope's heart. By doing nothing but being a baby.

She has finally admitted to herself that he really is a sweet infant and has fallen in love with this little boy. The same love she felt for Imari and Iris. She might not have birthed him, but she's his Mother now. And he's her little boy.

Hope and Iris

2005-11-10T21:25:00.001-06:00

Hope loves spending time with all three of her children. Iris is doing so well in school and although she'll soon be a teenager, Hope still makes sure she reads to her daily.

Hope remembers how her parents and grandparents always used to read to her. She feels that the love of reading is something that needs to be shared with her children.

What the...

2005-11-10T21:25:00.000-06:00

Hope has been spending a lot of time getting all of the plans together for a double birthday party. Although Iris' and Ishmael's birthday are a few weeks apart, the family wanted to celebrate both together.

Iris couldn't wait any longer though. She has plans for dating, college, and just generally growing up. Hope just happened to be walking by when she saw Iris wearing a new dress. Suddenly she realized that her little girl wasn't a little girl any longer.

Sister Time

2005-11-10T21:24:00.000-06:00

Imari heard Hope's gasp and came running to find out what was wrong. She was so glad to see her sister's new look.

Imari doesn't even seem to mind that they both look so much alike anymore. Maybe she's more secure in herself. Oh yes, both girls are growing up well.

Birthday Time

2005-11-10T21:23:00.000-06:00

The family had a wonderful party for Iris and Ishmael. Although Stephan wasn't really ready for Ishmael to be growing up, he was happy that all three of his children were happy and healthy.

Of course, Stephan also knows that an added benefit of Ishmael getting older is - no more diapers!

Reading Time

2005-11-10T21:22:00.000-06:00

Stephan wasted no time at all in getting Ishmael started on certain lessons. First comes potty training, then comes walking and talking.

In between all of those studies, though, Stephan takes plenty of time to read to Ishmael.

Music Lessons

2005-11-10T21:21:00.000-06:00

Stephan also helps Ishmael with his music lessons.

Stephan thinks that knowledge is very important. So much so in fact, that he has already submitted applications to a local Private School. After all, the proper preparations now lead to the right private school, which leads to the right college, which leads to the right job.

Playtime

2005-11-10T21:20:00.000-06:00

What's this? Playtime? What about Ishmael's studies?

OK, so Stephan isn't really the tyrant he sometimes appears. It's obvious that Father and Son have a good relationship.

Hope's New Job

2005-11-10T21:19:00.001-06:00

All of Hope's hard work has finally paid off. Between long hours, hard work and some very good investments, Hope is now a Business Tycoon.

Now she can surround herself with good advisors and cut back on her hours. She can spend more time with her family. Maybe she'll even start taking three day weekends occasionally.

Big Sis

2005-11-10T21:19:00.000-06:00

Oh yeah, Imari is really enjoying this "Big Sister" gig. She's starting to think that maybe having little rug rats around isn't so bad after all.

She does enjoy helping little Ishmael learn new things. He's even gotten better about not putting his toys in his mouth. Most of the time.

Ismael's Birthday

2005-11-10T21:18:00.000-06:00

This year Iris decided to forgo a party and let the family celebrate just Ishmael's birthday.

Ishmael didn't really understand the surpise part though. He decided to surprise the family instead by starting his birthday the night before.

Motherly Advice

2005-11-10T21:17:00.000-06:00

"At the rate you're growing up, you'll be engaged before you know it."

Ishmael loves his Mother, but sometimes it seems she has spent too much time in the boardroom. He hasn't even started school yet and she's already planning his marriage? Geesh!

A Good Kid

2005-11-10T21:16:00.000-06:00

Hope is so glad that Ishmael is a part of the family. Sometimes she still feels ashamed of her initial reaction after his birth.

He's always been such a good child and she really can't imagine what her life would have been without him in it.

Grieving

2005-11-10T21:15:00.000-06:00

On the same evening as Ishmael's birthday, another ghost showed up on the Adamson Family property. Calista is back.

Joe Carr

2005-11-10T21:14:00.000-06:00

But it wasn't Calista who crashed the party. It was Joe.

He still hasn't forgiven Stephan for eating all the food when he was carrying Ishmael. But Stephan never seems to mind when the ghosts try to scare him. In fact, he seems to like it. So now the ghosts try for other targets.

Ishmael came from where?

2005-11-10T21:13:00.000-06:00

While Ishmael and his Mother cleaned up all of the party decorations Stephan decided to tell the girls the true story of Ishmael's birth.

"Where was that planet again, Dad?"

In order, left to right - Imari, Stephan and Iris

Stephan's Adventure

2005-11-06T08:30:00.000-06:00

The last update left off with Stephan returning from an amazing adventure.

He still doesn't know what to think of everything that has happened. He doesn't know if he should tell anyone. Really, who would believe him?

Hungry again

2005-11-06T08:29:00.000-06:00

Ever since Stephan got back home, he seems to be either hungry or tired all of the time. Perhaps the aliens did something to mess with his body chemistry.

One morning, shortly after his return, Stephan had just sat down for his second breakfast when suddenly his stomach started doing some strange twists and turns. He jumped up from the table, ready to call for the doctor or even an ambulance.

When suddenly...

2005-11-06T08:28:00.000-06:00

His stomach seemed to expand before his very eyes. He no longer fit into his pajamas and had to change clothes really fast. The only thing that seemed to fit was a hideous green t-shirt with an alien's face on it. Somehow this seemed appropriate.

"Ahh, now I know why I've been so hungry and tired lately."

He remembered Hope's words after Iris' birth. She told him that if he wanted another child he would have to "have it yourself!" He doesn't think she will appreciate the humor of this, but he sure does.

Meditation helps

2005-11-06T08:27:00.000-06:00

After digging through the bookcase, Stephan finds an old "What to expect" book from when Hope was pregnant. One chapter was dedicated to the importance of meditation. Stephan tried to meditate but kept seeing his hands as possible shadow puppets.

OK, so maybe yoga is not for him. "I guess I'll just keep doing what I've been doing - eating and sleeping."

Stephan rearranged his work schedule so that he could work from home. He didn't think that his co-workers at the hospital would be very accepting of his new "condition."

Life goes on

2005-11-06T08:26:00.000-06:00

Calista loves doing anything she can to help out. She misses Gregory more and more each day so anything that can keep her busy is appreciated.

Hello Steffi

2005-11-06T08:25:00.001-06:00

Steffi came to visit during a semester break from college.

After a quick hug and a few questions, Steffi and Calista fell into their old habit of playing red hands.

Adoption questions

2005-11-06T08:25:00.000-06:00

"Mom, I never really told you how glad I am that you adopted me. How proud I've always been to be an Adamson."

"Oh Honey, you were always meant to be my daughter. I knew it as soon as I read about the orphanage fire. In my heart, I knew that there was someone in particular, someone very special I had to find and bring home. When I saw you, I just knew. You are my daughter."

It's that time again

2005-11-06T08:24:00.001-06:00

When Steffi headed inside the house to see the rest of the family when Calista felt a strange chill up her spine. She could have sworn that she heard someone whisper in her ear.

What do you mean, "It's time?"

One last goodbye

2005-11-06T08:24:00.000-06:00

As Calista looks over her family and friends, in her mind she says goodbye to each for a final time.

She has one last happy thought, Iris and the A+ paper she had brought home today. Then she knew that the voice had been right. It was time to go.

Goodbye

2005-11-06T08:23:00.000-06:00

Before Steffi headed back to university she stopped for another goodbye to her Mom and Dad.

This was not the way she wanted to spend her semester break, but she was glad she was here when her family needed her. Glad she was able to finally tell Calista thanks.

Stephan keeps eating

2005-11-06T08:22:00.000-06:00

Stephan is really ready for this child to be born. He feels that the only thing he ever wants to do is eat. And sleep. And eat. And sleep.

And eats

2005-11-06T08:21:00.000-06:00

Day or night, it doesn't matter. Stephan keeps eating.

No Food For Joe

2005-11-06T08:20:00.001-06:00

Even the ghosts are starting to notice Stephan's new habits. One night, as Joe was floating around the house that was never really his, he stops off for a midnight snack.

There was no food for him to steal. None! Stephan had eaten everything in the fridge.

Joe makes plans

2005-11-06T08:20:00.000-06:00

"No food?" Joe decides that this has to stop. This ghost starts planning his revenge.

Stephan doesn't know it yet, but he's in for a big surprise. Joe has decided it's time to fight back.

Stephan and Iris

2005-11-06T08:19:00.000-06:00

Stephan takes advantage of his time home from work to read to Iris. Usually his breaks in between sleeping and eating are when she's at school or asleep. But since it's the weekend they get to spend time together.

Stephan hasn't been able to convince Hope to tell the girls what's happening to him. It's almost as though Hope doesn't want to know. But Stephan feels as though the time is coming soon when she won't be able to avoid the issue any longer.

This Hurts!

2005-11-06T08:18:00.000-06:00

Stephan was awakened from a sound sleep with an amazingly strong stomach cramp.

"Ow! Ow! Ow! HOOPPPPE!"

What is this?

2005-11-06T08:17:00.000-06:00

By the time Hope finally makes it to the bedroom, Stephan has already had the baby.

"What the... I thought you were just fat! That it was some kind of depression or illness the alie... I mean, really! A man being..."

Yeah, Stephan was right. Hope had never really accepted the truth of what her husband was saying.