I know that I look a little different…foreign perhaps.

What? Sometimes I practice eating with chopsticks, I’m pretty good at it actually. Mom doesn’t know though. Just practicing in case…yeah. In case I ever go to China? That may sound silly, but I have a feeling my Father might be Chinese. He might not even live there, he could live here. Who knows. I sure don’t.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m perfectly content with my family the way it is. Ernie is a great step-dad and Zac is the coolest little guy ever.

I hang out with him a little bit every day, but sometimes I like to do things for myself.

Like jumping on the trampoline, it’s SO fun! I also get a little workout from it. Awe-SOME.

Ernie doesn’t really have a job right now, but is totally dedicated to making sure that Zac grows up knowing all of the essentials.

I came home the other day and the little dude was walking all over the place!

Repairwoman Celestial: Ooh, that Soren sure knows how to sleep.

Celestial: Yeah, I'm here at the Nobles. I'm gonna get marr-ugh! Lost the call!

Celestial: The Nobles are number one!

(Seriously, Celestial the repairwoman stood in the bedroom for a long time just staring and smiling at a sleeping Soren. Then went into their attached bathroom to make a call, and came out smiling at a sleeping Henry. Creepy!)

This girl from school starting calling me, her name’s Cassie…I guess she’s my girlfriend?

Audrey: Oh, wow Zac, you really like electronics? But yay for learning words!

Ernie was helping me with my homework, he’s nice like that, when Mom told me that Cassie was here.

Apparently she’s brought her “bestie” along and they were dancing in the kitchen. Weird.

Cassie: OMG be careful!

She likes to jump on the trampoline too which is cool I guess.

I’ve been spending a lot of time practicing my martial arts skill. I have a plan.

Looks like my cousin Henry has a plan of his own…

…with my step-aunt? What’s that make her to him? She’s a lot older than him I think…she’s Ernie twin!

She’s over at the house more and more often, but they spend most of their time in the entryway like they’re trying to be all secretive or something. I jokingly introduced myself to her, Henry wasn’t that amused at my joke.

Mom paints a lot still.

Zac pretends to read.

He likes to tell me when he goes potty, haha. Crazy kid! I’d like to think I’m a good brother though, always there with a high five and to tell him he’s such a “big boy!”

Soon it was time for my plan.

Soren: Wanna fight, Mom?

We sparred and I tried so hard to beat her…but she kicked my butt.

Soren: I'll never me a martial arts master...

Audrey: Oh honey! Is that what you really want to be? That's great, I know just the thing!

SUCCESS!

Before I knew it, we were in China where I could take lessons from true masters at the Academy. She said it’d been awhile since she’d gone on a trip and it would be a great opportunity for me to learn and experience a new culture.

It was amazing there, I felt like I was home. Gorgeous scenery, pretty girls and eating with chopsticks!

Not only did learning martial arts involve a lot of sparring with the dummy, but I had to work out with free weights and do a lot of cardio too.

…to be continued.

That’s me in the light blue track jacket looking fat as a whale, positioned oh so perfectly. The guy with the orange-tipped blonde hair and the striped button down? None other than Ernie Postage – my boyfriend and father of the bun in my oven. We were throwing a little get together for his birthday and I was standing in a spot where he could only see me.

As he aged (not into an elder yet! thank goodness), his dreamy violet eyes found mine and he smiled a little knowing smile. How could I have not figured it out sooner?? That Ernie, my best friend forever from high school, was also the only one for me? Life would have been simpler had I figured it out years ago, but then I surely wouldn’t have Soren in my life. Despite my dislike of children, I cannot imagine my life without him. Mom had made me promise to have kids to carry on the legacy, rest her soul, and I have held true to my word.

The guests at the party consisted of only family, Ernie’s and my own.

My nephew Henry met Ernie’s twin sister Erin for the first time and I think Sylvie’s a bit excited over nothing.

I should update you on Soren. He’s not a loner per say…but he has a difficult times making friends. He was often playing all by himself on the playground when I picked him up from school.

He doesn’t seem to mind spending time alone but it kind of worries me.

Even at home, he’ll go off his own to collect rocks and bugs and things. He’s a good boy though and never strays too far beyond our own yard.

I thought I’d looked all over for him one night, been outside for what seemed like forever calling his name as I walked up and down the street. Panic was beginning to set in…no it had already taken over by the time I re-entered the house. Practically running to the little lounge area that no one ever uses, I was stopped by a tiny worried voice. “Mom, are you okay?”

I looked to my left and there he was, looking up at me with these huge eyes full of worry. “Oh! There you are honey, you startled me. I’m fine, I’ve just been looking for you. Why don’t you go on out back? A little birdie told me there’s a surprise for you.”

He dropped the easel and brush and was halfway down the hallway before I’d even finished.

“Thanks Mom! Love you!” he called as I heard him burst through the back door.

Ernie had gone out and purchased a trampoline that day specifically for Soren, telling him it was a soon-to-be-a-big-brother present. How sweet! I would have never thought of that…and I probably should have.

They jumped and jumped as the sun slowly made it’s way beneath the horizon.

After I put a tuckered out Soren to bed, my cell phone rang. Who would be calling so late? None other than my twin sister Kate. She and Aloysius had gone to eat at the Bistro and run into Henry with none other than Ernie’s own twin Erin.

“Can you believe it, Audrey?” Kate’s voice boomed through the receiver, “she’s old enough to me his mother!”

“Not quite Kate,” was my response. “Who knows if they were even on a date.”

Date or no date, Erin must have spoken to Henry about his birthmother because after years of not speaking, he suddenly had the urge to visit her and make things right.

“Nice to meet you, you’re sure a handsome young man,” Lashona greeted her one and only son.

“It’s me Mom, Henry” he politely replied.

“Oh dear me, come in! Come in!” she exclaimed. “Are you hungry?” She laughed off her embarrassment and tried to be as motherly as possible.

Things were going well and they had even found common ground talking about space. She was so proud of him, striving to be an astronaut and one day visit space himself.

But then something happened. Something terrible…

You may wonder how know all about Henry’s visit to his Mother’s…I’m just all knowing. Ha! No, he told me about it soon after.

In fact, on that same night I was at home sleeping ever so peacefully in my bed.

But that didn’t last.

At first I thought it was Henry’s sobbing in the hall had woken us up and it is indeed probably what woke Ernie up.

But not me! I felt the familiar pangs of labor and asked my love to drive me to the hospital where I gave birth to…

Zachary Noble.

He’s a sweetheart and is content spending fractions of an hour just looking out the window. My dear mother and sister and both brothers may not be around to help anymore but I think it’s going to be okay. Ernie is a great dad!

He even quit his job and declared himself a self-employed gardener so that he could stay home with Zac. Could I ask for anything more?

Lashonda’s death really hit hard with Henry, who was now dedicated to spending time with his Dad and little brother.

We all know that William has decided to move out with Sylvie and John when he starts school. Though it hurts Henry, he’s decided to stay in the family home until he’s established a family of his own.

My narrative is kind of jumpy from present to past tense and I apologize, you’d think it’d be better with all my practice writing books and articles for the paper.

Anyway, everyone has birthdays – some more welcome than others.

I am now officially an adult, I can almost feel the gray hairs sprouting and the wrinkle lines forming. Shoot.

Soren congratulated me on a great birthday party and with a hug said, “Have fun on your trip!”

Surprise! Ernie was taking me to France for my birthday! Traveling is fantastic, but returning to France kind of gives me the jitters.

Especially the winery. That’s where Ernie told me to wait for him on our last day there and I was half expecting the mystery Chinese man to walk out the door with an “Oh hey Audrey!” Yikes. Thankfully that never happened and Ernie finally arrived.

“I’m so sorry that I’m late Audge, some guy wanted me to find his baseball. I was thinking of you the whole time” he explained.

What happened next blew me away.

I’m engaged!! He’d asked Soren’s permission for my hand in marriage that night they’d jumped on the trampoline, even filling him in on his France proposal plans. That explains how Soren knew about the trip. My boys are full of surprises! They keep me on my toes.

We had to hurry back for Soren’s birthday and to plan a quick wedding. I couldn’t believe he was turning 14 already!

His cousin laughing at him didn’t bother him one bit, I guess he’s got a pretty good sense of humor. He definitely looks foreign…I wonder if he’ll ever meet his father. Heck, I wonder if I’ll ever meet his father. A trip to China is right around the corner, but he thinks it’s to train in martial arts which isn’t completely untrue.

My brother William accomplished his lifetime wish of becoming a creature-robot crossbreeder and little John grew up, leading to them moving to a house across town.

But they soon returned for my wedding day. It was a small affair held outdoors just like Kate’s.

Soren may not call Ernie “Dad”, but he definitely respects him and officially welcomed him to the family.

We were all set to leave for China later that week and I was in such high spirits that I decided to check out the trampoline.

Apparently, I fallen off and hit my head. When I came to, the sun was hitting my ring making it sparkle brilliantly.

As I admired my ring, thoughts of my recent marriage filled my mind and Soren’s on-goings about our trip filled my ears and inside the house…

Zac had grown into a toddler! I guess that I was passed out for awhile on the lawn…whoops. Needless to say, I was taken aback when I found him like that in his nursery. My boys are indeed full of surprises.

Henry is so friendly, finding time to visit extended family like Mom’s cousin Angeline (Sam’s daughter) and her son Pete whom she had with Uncle Lucius.

Kate’s latest party was deemed a success even with the passing of Aunt Mariah, may she rest in peace.

Everyone gets so emotional when someone dies, I don’t think Marlin really knew her at all…but then again, I could be wrong.

The very next day, Henry came home with this cheesy grin on his face, I wondered what he was all smiley about.

Henry: Kizzy’s here!

We’re all glad that he’s found such a great friend, but wondering if it will lead to more than that…you see, we’re all kind of wondering which way he swings.

Kate has found romance though! Out of all those friends she made in her quest to become super popular, she never was attracted to a single one. I was afraid she was destined to become the town’s resident cat lady.

His name is Aloysius Bloom and they look quite a pair.

Before we knew it, William had his 40th birthday. He’s so lucky to have found Sylvie – they couldn’t be happier right now. (even with his missing knee!)

His son goes over to Kizzy’s more than she comes over here.

And then one day there was a cake…

…a cake that I bought! You thought I would forget my son’s birthday didn’t you?

Well I didn’t. Everyone was curious to see how he would grow up and who he would look like, myself included. The whole not knowing who his father is thing…yeah.

I think he’s Chinese! That’s why there’s a photo of me doing a karate move…go to China to learn martial arts…yeah. Anyway! He’s got these amazing blue eyes that totally blew us away.

Ernie: Audrey's portrait is missing.

Naturally I invited my BFF and surprisingly he came! He brought it to my attention that my portrait had yet to be painted, which is odd being that I’m the current heiress.

I’ve never been one for fashion but I have to admit that buying new clothes for Soren was so fun – little kids have such cute clothes!

Ell found out he was going to be a Daddy for a second time…

…the night that Claire happened to go into labor.

Elliott: Kate, a little help here!

Kate: Hehehe Aloysius, you’re so funny.

At the same time, Henry was upstairs excitedly taking care of his little cousin. I’m so grateful to have such a great family who takes care of my little one.

Both cribs were soon occupied…though only temporarily of course.

Claire brought over one her and Elliott’s TWIN girls for him to get acquainted with. Their names are Leah and Mendy, nope not Mandy. Mendy. I’m not sure which one came over.

I had my own baby to be concerned with…

Soren actually likes me! I have to admit he’s growing on me too.

Our sweet Mother-Son moment was interrupted by screams from downstairs.

What am I going to do without Mom? She handled it charmingly but that doesn’t mean that we’re not all heartbroken.

Elliott decided it was time to get my portrait up on the wall.

And Kate sought comfort with her boyfriend.

The morning of the funeral was difficult.

Kate practiced her speech in front of Mom’s old mirror and I fixed my hair so it looked a little more formal and more my age.

Despite my new found matureness, I completely lost it after the burial.

Luckily my best friend was there to console me.

I think I may be falling for him.

——————Author’s Notes——————

Analeigh's "OH CRAP" Face

Strange Things Happen When the Moon is Full

That paired with the vomiting has me more than a bit worried…am I ill? Or could it be that drunken night in France coming back to haunt me? I’ll keep it to myself a bit longer and see if whatever it is just goes away. No need to worry the family, ya know?

Elliott still slaves away either writing novels or painting brilliant works of art, hoping for masterpieces. He doesn’t plan on moving out until he masters both skills saying that Claire and Marlin would distract him. I guess I can understand, I don’t want a kid holding me back.

But it’s not exactly like that with him, he enjoys their company and visits them all the time.

Marlin has grown into a handsome child and I think Elliott regrets not spending every waking moment with him.

Then there’s Henry, who despite his awkward looks has made quite a few friends.

All of which happen to be girls. He even goes home with a girl named Kizzy after school sometimes. I don’t mind that at all, a kid free home is a quiet home…for the most part…

William invited Sylvie to come visit our home in Sunset Valley for the second time. It had only been a couple weeks since visiting her in France, but it was long enough for him to decide that he couldn’t live without her.

She screamed like a little girl running to the tree on Christmas morning, and they got married right then and there in the foyer.

Henry chose that moment to return from Kizzy’s…

Henry: Daddy…did you just do what I think you did?

Sylvie: My husband is so dreamy. -swoon-

I hope for William and Henry’s sake that this turns out better than episode Lashonda. Sylvie truly seems like a good person though.

Kate throws a lot of parties at the house these days in her attempts to become super popular. Even though the atmosphere in the house is happy and fun and celebratory I’m having trouble loosening up.

My heart wasn’t really into dancing with Ell that night so when I saw a familiar face peeping in the window, I found it the perfect opportunity to channel my worries into some kind of outlet.

Me: Why Cordelia Chase, I must say I never thought you to be the peeping tom type! Get the eff out of here you creep! You’re being creepy! AND BESIDES, William is married again!

I guess I wasn’t very nice, but who does that?? Seriously. Blowing off some steam felt great and getting worked up had it’s results…

I’m pregnant! Okay, I know that I look happy and I am but probably not for the reason you’re thinking. I’m just glad that I’m not dying!

Rini (Ernie’s Mom): Congratulations Audrey! Who’s the father?

Me: Ummm…thanks I think Misses Postage…and I’m not entirely sure?

Well that’s just great, what am I going to tell people? Just that – that I was a drunken sl** in France and I have no idea who the father of my unborn child is. Super.

—

Even though I was initially worried, my family took the news surprisingly well. Nothing needed to be prepared – “We have a furnished nursery just waiting for a cute little nooboo!” my Mom said.

The excitement was good for Mom, she painted another mosaic piece that didn’t really resemble anything…but she got the mosaic part right!

Athletic Henry decided that it wasn’t too early to start working out and William tended the garden (visible through the window).

Henry:  36 – 37- Keep going! Need strong muscles so Audrey lets me hold my cousin!

Ell and Kate were both really, really supportive of me and the whole situation.

Me: Kate, something’s bothering me…Ernie won’t return my calls. We’re supposed to be best friends forever – he can’t just make that go away. Did he sister say anything?

Kate: Oh man, you have no idea do you Audge?

Me: What? About what?

Kate: Erin told me when we were teenagers that Ernie was secretly in love with you and always had been.

Me: What???

Kate: I’m guessing that their Mom told him that you were pregnant with some random guy’s kid – no offense sis  – and he’s just not taking it too well...sorry.

Ernie loves me and I had no idea? I can be such a fool. Painting usually helps me feel better so I went to the easel.

But that wasn’t doing the trick and I had a sudden urge to burn something. I lit a crumpled piece of paper in my hand and watched it go up in flames. As I watched the smoke dissipate, I felt happy like a calmness had come over me.

Then I went to bed, I had work in the morning.

That’s right, a little thing like a pregnancy is not going to keep me from working. Life still happens when you’re pregnant.

Birthdays happen.

Your twin sister officially becoming super popular happens.

And then labor happens.

Right in the middle of me reviewing the Bistro. Dang.

I called Mom and she met me at the hospital where I gave birth to a boy that I named Soren.

Soren intimidates me, I have no idea what to do with babies.

Luckily I have Mom and Kate to help me out.

They dote on him like he’s their own child, he’s luck to have them really because I’m sadly not much of a mother.

Things like finishing the review at the Bistro and catching up with old friends rank a bit higher than smelly cocoon babies.

Rachel is dating my cousin Shimmer Star, but while I was talking to her I was distracted by a man I’d never met. He was handsome and mysterious and what was I thinking?? I quickly snapped myself out of it and hurried home to write up my review for tomorrow’s paper.

I have to live up to the Noble name, it feels like my Grandparents and Father are judging me even from beyond the grave.

Being a mother brings a sort of responsibility with it, I’ve started cooking because I know that I’ll have a mouth to feed once he outgrows the bottle.

Don’t worry about Soren, I think I’m just overly hard on myself. Even though I don’t like children – Soren is my son and I am responsible for his life. My motherly instinct is finally starting to kick in.

I may not be the best mother ever, but I feel like I’m ready to be a Mom.

I knew that it was coming, yet never got around to backing up my files. I attempted to use my boyfriend’s external drive but I didn’t have privileges to write – maybe a PC/Mac issue. In another attempt to back up my sims, I turned to the exchange but hardly any of them would upload. So all of my sims stuff + personal photos and art appear to be gone.

A new hard drive is on the way so I’ll get everything reinstalled next week. Nick (the boyfriend) seems to think he can recover files from the old drive so please keep your fingers crossed for me.

I apologize though if the Nobles and the Blooms are gone forever.

Elliott’s son, Marlin, had his first birthday and now somewhat resembles an actual person. It’s true, I don’t like kids but family still deserves attention regardless. Elliott has been spending a lot of time over at Claire’s when he’s not writing or painting, teaching the little rugrat how to act human – i.e. talking, walking, and using the restroom.

Here’s one his one year old pictures.

He’s definitely got some Noble genetics mixed in with Claire’s…the eyes are mine and Dad’s and the hair is Mom’s.

It looks like he’ll have plenty of friends to play with too as it looks like Sunset Valley is having a long-awaited boom. That also means that I’ll have plenty of people to interview and more stories to report on. Awesome!

One of the first things I did after graduating was apply for a job.

Unfortunately they started me as a papergirl, but hey, you gotta start somewhere right?

I have no doubt that I will one day be a star news anchor.

Other than working hard, I spend a lot of time worrying about Mom. Since naming me heir, she’s hardly left the house! She spends a lot of time painting which isn’t out of the norm…but her style has definitely changed.

It’s almost like she’s still trying to paint in the mosaic style (sometimes she indeed does) but fails. Maybe Alzheimer’s or dementia is setting in?

I found her sleeping in the spare guest bed one night and of course I let her keep sleeping. In the morning I asked her why and she said it’s because it used to be her bed and she thought she’d move up here so that I could move into the master suite. Okay, I know we’re loosely named after Katherine and Audrey Hepburn but I am by no means ready to find my Fred Astaire or whoever! She can stay in that room for a long while and that’s exactly what I told her.

Wow, I just realized that I say “I” a lot…perhaps that should be changed.

Aunt Mariah’s boyfriend still comes over from time to time and walks around in his underwear.

Which I find strangely attractive. Maybe I’m the one going crazy!

To keep my mind off Gary, who was totally handsome in his younger years by the way, I exercise or work on my writing.

See? I’m not the only one who uses exercise to alleviate stress or weird cravings; it runs in the family. Actually what happened there is that Elliott was telling Aunt Mariah that he had to go to France to deliver a painting and he couldn’t wait to jog around such a beautiful place or something. Thank goodness for overhearing! France sounded absolutely delightful…

William went to France too, someone had randomly called and told him that he needed to make $25 in tips while playing the guitar in France. It was so great to be out of the country again!

My brothers chose to visit the Nectary straightaway, where they became engrossed in a game of catch instead of grapes or wine or exotic French women.

I on the other hand found an adventure on the camp’s board and immediately visited a French woman to see how I could be of service.

She’d lost something in the tombs and needed someone to retrieve it, isn’t that how it always goes?

The tombs in France were similar to those in China but still stunning. If only those ancient people were alive today…I would love to talk to them!

As the sun set outside…

William strummed his guitar on an empty street and I crawled into an abandoned tent.

It wasn’t until the next morning that I finally found what that woman had lost.

Elliott had received a call in the middle of the night from Claire.

Don’t worry, it wasn’t bad news! Apparently she’d forgotten the time difference or maybe she was just so excited to tell Ell that Marlin said “Daddy” while pointing to a photo she had on the fridge.

We went out that next night to celebrate each of our success stories and William even bumped into Sylvie.

Wine. Who knew such a dazzling bottle of redness could do so much damage?

My first glass tasted so good that I went back for another.

…and another…

…and another.

I’m almost certain that I saw William making out with Sylvie but how I got back to camp somehow slips my mind.

I awoke late in the morning with a massive headache and tried to round up my brothers to head home. William was nowhere to be found though…I don’t think he slept at camp that night.

When we arrived back at home, things resumed normally. Elliott kept writing and painting yet still hadn’t proposed to Claire.

She was kind enough to volunteer for my first official interview though! Right on.

Yep, your eyes do not deceive you – because of Claire I’d been promoted to journalist! I rode my bike home quickly that afternoon because Mom called me in a tizzy.

Apparently Aunt Mariah finally thought it was time to move out with her one true love. Good for her, right? Mom went on and on about the garden though, who was going to take care of it now? I reassured her that William would likely take on the duties.

Mom says that William is too preoccupied though with trying to be both parents for Henry. We’ve tried to keep in touch with Lashonda but she sadly just isn’t interested.

I don’t know much about dads, but I think my brothers are doing a fine job.

I just hope that I won’t be finding out what it’s like to be a single Mom anytime soon. It’s got to be food poisoning, right?

Audrey is a pyro*, clumsy, artistic, a daredevil, she dislikes children and is easily impressed. She dreams of being a Star News Anchor.

Family Tree Update!

William (YA)

William Wade
Traits: Pyro*, Brave, Unlucky, Excitable, Never Nude, Inappropiate
LTW: Become a Creature-Robot Cross Breeder
Mate: married to Lashonda Foley, baby on the way

Elliott (YA)

Elliott Gregg
Traits: Absent-minded, Brave, Neat, Athletic, Snob
LTW: Illustrioius Author
Mate: n/a

Audrey (Teen)

Audrey
Traits: Pyro*, Clumsy, Artistic, Daredevil, Dislikes Children
LTW: Star News Anchor
Mate: n/a

Kate (Teen)

Kate
Traits: Absent-minded, Good, Easily Impressed, Computer Whiz
LTW: n/a
Mate: n/a

Take Our Poll

Traits: Genius, Never Nude, Artistic, Light Sleeper, Angler
LTW: Forensic Specialist: Dynamic DNA Profiler

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