A Girl's Garden--A Farmacy Story (COMPLETED)

[deedee_828]

Sorry for the delay for the next chapter, but I've tried posting Chapter 112 several times, twice yesterday, in it's entirety, with 504 errors both times.

And once today, trying to post it in a smaller section, but still received a 504 error.

I'm currently working with Admin to see what the issue may be.

Thanks for your patience and hopefully, my posting issue will be resolved soon.

[deedee_828]

When Marley and I had showered and dressed for the day, we found Mom and Dad in the living room.

And they were still as romantic as when they were young!

I hope Marley and I can keep that same spark between us when reach their age.




With no youngsters in the house, Grandma Summer focused on Kimo, which endeared her to Marley every time she saw them together.

Grandma kept him clean and well groomed, brushing him almost every day, while Kimo stood patiently, enjoying her undivided attention.

Grandma may be a cat lover at heart, but she won't allow any pet to feel unloved.




Since Grandma wanted to increase her cooking skill, she even made up several batches of horse granola and pet food for Kimo, beef and chicken varieties, so he had a varied diet.

Though Marley said we should mark the pots as she didn't think it wouldn't be proper to use the same cook pots for people food as pet food!

Grandma Summer nodded, smiled, and said that all the ingredients she used were top of the line, so nothing would harm us, but she indulged Marley and marked the pots.




When I watched Grandma cooking for the horses and Kimo, I suddenly had a wish to do something special in the kitchen myself.

I wanted to surprise Marley with her favorite meal, spaghetti with veggie sauce!

So I sat down by the computer and studied a beginner's cookbook, to build my own skill.




The Marley asked if we could go into town as she wanted to research her adoption records to see if she could find out any details about her family.

I warmed up the motive mobile, as though our needs were pretty full right now, Marley might need a boost if the search didn't go well or what she found out wasn't pleasant.



 
As we took off down the road, we saw Fareshine streaking across the front lawn her heels kicking up snow, and I knew Mom was going to be proud of how fast that little filly could run when she was old enough to race!




At City Hall, after what seemed like hours of standing in one line after another, Marley was given a copy of her adoption records, a bulky folder that contained all the information they had on file for her.

We stopped in at the library to read over the documents.

It carried the standard adoption papers, showing the names of her birth parents, Myra Scott and Jared Frio! 

Then the names of her adoptive parents, Mary and William Smith, with a detailed explanation of the couples disappointment at not being able to have children of their own. And the many years they petitioned to adopt with no success, despite their professional careers, she, a physician, and he, an up-and-coming politician.

The Marley found a photo of an older couple, with the woman smiling down adoringly at the baby she held, and her husband standing proudly behind her. The caption read, 'We've become a family at last!'




Followed by another family photo showing the three of them in a nursery, all done up in an under-the-sea theme complete with a mermaid on the wall.




And then the shocking newspaper clipping of that same couple dated three years later:

BRIDGEPORT PROFESSIONAL COUPLE DIES TRAGICALLY IN CAR ACCIDENT!!!
Mary Smith, a renowned surgeon, along with beloved husband, William, a prominent politician, were both pronounced dead at the scene after their town car burst into flames upon impact! The couple had been childless for many years, when they finally realized their dream of having their own family with the adoption of a baby girl about three years ago. With no other family, their young adopted daughter will become a ward of the state, yet again. What a tragedy for all!

Bridgeport City Hall, where William Smith had made a name for himself and was the leading candidate for the fall elections, where he was hoping to become Leader of the Free World!




Bridgeport General Hospital, the main focus of Mary Smith's life for many, many years.

Mary was a dedicated physician and beloved by her patients as well as the hospital staff.

But once her daughter arrived, motherhood became her main focus!




Then there were several photos with a note saying that the paper had requested permission to print them with the news article of the Smith's accident, but had been denied for the protection of the toddler shown in them.

I heard Marley's gasp as she saw the woman from the first photo, but instead of holding an infant, this time the woman was playing with a toddler.

A toddler that had pigtails the same distinctive color as Marley's own hair!




Then Mary Smith was teaching Marley how to talk, and thrilled with her small daughter's success as she parroted the word 'party'.




Marley's adoptive parents even bought a walker for her, to help her learn that as well.




The next photo was one of Mary and Marley at the park, with Marley proudly riding a buzzy bee.

I met Marley's eyes over that one and we smiled at how happy they both looked.




And then a final one of a perturbed Marley not wanting to get off the buzzy bee when her ride was over!

That one had Marley and I both chuckling as she said, "Do you think our child will be like that?"

I grinned and said, "Are you referring to your young self being adorable or having a stubborn streak!?!"

Marley grinned back and said, "I was just thinking of how happy they looked, mother and daughter." Then her grin faded as she added, " I wish I could actually remember that far back, remember her."

I tapped the photos and said, "Maybe not memories but you've got these to show how much they loved you. How much it meant to them, having you in their lives, making them a family. Our children will never be in doubt of how much they are loved and our lives will be filled with moments just like these, teaching them their toddler skills, playing with them, going to the park, even dealing with unhappy toddlers when play time is over!"




Then there was an official document, showing that, with the death of her adoptive parents, who had no other family ties, the courts gave Marley back her birth name of Frio, her legal name being Marley Smith Frio.

Additional records showed the series of group and foster homes that Marley had been assigned to, including her stay with the Westmoreland family, cousins through the Dean branch of my family, when she moved to Aggie's Corner.

Though, oddly, to me at least, her placement with the Miller's when she was a teen and moved here to Appaloosa Plains, was not noted.

But there was another official looking paper stating that upon attaining her majority, Marley Smith Frio, should contact the offices of Carson, Cramer, and Crandall, Attorneys At Law, in Bridgeport.

But before I could ask what Marley thought that could be about, she gasped and, looking up, I found her holding a letter addressed to her in a decidedly feminine script.

She opened it with trembling hands and shifted so I could read it with her.

My dearest daughter,

If you are reading my words then you are all grown up now and you've decided to search for your birth family, though I hope your life with your adopted parents was one filled with love and happiness.

Words alone cannot begin to describe my feelings towards you at this very moment, knowing I will not be part of your life, knowing I made a huge mistake when I gave you up!

But seeing how happy your adoptive parents were in the photo I was shown when I realized my mistake, had owned up to it, and tried to get you back, I couldn't ruin their happiness too.

I don't tell you the rest to be pitied, or forgiven, but to make you aware of the family you have and to know the circumstances of your birth.

Your grandparents were Jodie Deklan and Gladsten Farmwell. They married and raised all three of their children in Moonlight Falls. Me, my sister, Josie, and my brother, James. But I was a young and foolish girl , and when I moved to Sunset Valley I wanted a fresh start, so I changed my last name to Scott, to hide my Moonlight Falls roots, which give some sims a preconceived notion of who you are, with possible supernatural connections, though I didn't have any.

I met your father soon after arriving in town and, despite the fact that many felt Jared to be an abrasive person, I quickly fell in love with him.

Then, I found myself expecting his child, and not knowing all the circumstances, though I was aware that Jared had an ex in town who was the mother of his child, I felt that Jared wasn't ready to be a father, and I wanted you to have two parents that loved you, and were devoted to you, not just a young, single mom, with barely a penny to her name!

So I made the worst decision of my life, one that I will never stop regretting, and gave you up!

Months later, after I returned to Sunset Valley, Jared proposed, and I broke down and confessed to what I had done. Your father's reaction was one of deep regret that I had felt so alone at such a time, and made such a heart-rending choice. He explained that his and Claire's relationship had fallen apart long before he knew she was carrying his child and that her pregnancy had not had anything to do with their break-up.

Then he gave me hope as he suggested we visit the adoption agency, suggested that your adoption might not be finalized yet. But it was too late! When the lawyer showed us the photos of you with your adoptive parents, a couple that couldn’t have children, Jared and I realized we couldn’t destroy the couple’s new found happiness.

Never for one moment think that I didn't love you, because I do, more than words can express. There will be an ache in my heart each and every time I think of you, and the hospital photo I have of you is already worn, as I look at it countless times every day.

My hope is that your young life was filled with joy and happiness, as the adored daughter of a professional couple, who had waited so long for a child to call their own, to become a family. And that now, as a grown woman, you have found love and happiness with an adoring husband and family of your own.

But they are not your only family, and if your desire is to connect with us, to establish a relationship, please know that we would welcome you with open arms, wanting to be part of your life in any way that you will allow.

I know I have no right to call myself your mother, I gave that right away, but you will always have a place in my heart, my first child, my daughter.

I love you.

Myra Farmwell Scott Frio


Marley took a moment to compose herself, then she carefully placed everything back in the envelope and  picked out a pregnancy book, then turned to me and gave me the sweetest, tenderest smile as she said, "Just think Diwan, now our baby has family on both sides, not just yours! I can look forward to telling him or her all about my life instead of not knowing anything about my family, my birth family as well as my adoptive one!"

I had been expecting a much different reaction and asked, "It doesn't bother you that your mother gave you away? That your adoptive parents lives were cut short after you made them a family?"

Marley's smile went even softer as she replied, "I'm saddened by the unfortunate events; my mother feeling so alone, at what should be a happy time, having to make such a decision at such a young age. Then realizing her mistake when it was too late. Though I'm proud that she didn't fight the Smiths' after the adoption. They looked so happy to be a family. I'm glad my birth parents made the right decision at that point, even if it broke my mother's heart. It showed she had matured, wasn't just thinking of herself, but what was best for me and the Smith's. And the Smith's, well, hopefully they had three wonderful years as a happy family. Something they wouldn't have had if my birth mother hadn't given me up."

I marveled at Marley's attitude about her past, and said, "You are so strong Marley, so forgiving! I don't know if I would be able to feel like that in the same circumstances. First your mother gives you up, then your adoptive parents die senselessly in an accident! How can you accept it so calmly!?!"

Marley teared up a bit at my questions and I was afraid I'd pushed the point too far, but she held her tears in check, and said, "But my mother's wishes for me came true, Diwan! Those photos showed I was deeply loved by the Smith's, that my formative years were happy, and my life in group homes and foster care wasn't a horrible experience. If none of that had happened, I wouldn't have come to Aggie's Corner and met you! We wouldn't have fallen in love, gotten married, or been expecting a child now! How can I have regrets when my life turned out so wonderfully, my relationship with you has brought me so much happiness with more to come!?! "




With her heart full, Marley settled down to read a baby book and learn as much as she could to make her pregnancy and first days of motherhood go well.




I grabbed one too, and soon the stages of pregnancy, signs of impending birth, labor itself, and then all the steps involved in taking care of a newborn, put any thoughts of lawyers to the back of my mind.




I was so full of energy with all my new knowledge that I ran outside, threw myself onto the ground, and made a snow angel like when I was a kid!




That thought had me thinking of playing in the snow with my own kids, Marley's and mine, and I leaped up and started clapping and hooting like a loon!

Marley and I were going to be parents, I was going to be a dad!

I'm sure anyone watching thought I was out of my mind, but I didn't care, not when everything was so perfect in my world.




Later that day, Kindle came over to visit, and Grandma Summer eagerly greeted her in the front yard.




When she came inside, it was plain to see that she was just as far along in her pregnancy as Marley was!

And Mom couldn't have been more thrilled.

She did all the usual grandma-to-be things, feeling Kindle's tummy, listening, and talking to the baby-to-be in that silly voice we all use.




Then Marley and Kindle settled on the couch for some mothers-to-be bonding time as they watched kid's programming on TV.

And discussed the different techniques they'd each read on child rearing; when toddlers were ready for potty training, the best way to introduce them to talking and walking.

I sat with them, but spent my time reading another fishing book, learning the bait for even more types of fish.




Then there was a commotion outside, and Mom said she'd go check it out.

And I know Mom was glad she was the one that got to witness the next birthday in our family.

Because it was Fareshine's!

She was no longer a foal, but a full grown adult horse, and looked just like her sire, Wayfarer.




Mom called Karina over and told her with Fareshine grown up now and not needing her mother, it was time to reunite Sunshine and Wayfarer.

Karina was thrilled, but then she surprised Mom by telling her she was going to be a grandmother again!

That started a hug fest, and after we all congratulated Karina, dad and I started feeling a bit left out, as the only thing on our womenfolk's minds was babies, babies, babies!

And when they all started discussed birthing techniques and the benefits of nursing over bottle feeding, Dad and I couldn't get out of the house fast enough.

Dad and I both decided that many of the terrariums needed cleaning and food dishes refilled so we hightailed it to the basement!




Marley is over the moon with knowledge and photos of her adoptive family when she was an infant and toddler, and knowing about her birth family, after reading a poignant letter from her birth mother and the circumstances surrounding the decision she made to give her away.

I was a bit surprised at Marley's take on the whole situation, but I could hardly fault her reasoning when she pointed out that if none of that had happened, we wouldn't be together now, with our own child on the way!

And our child isn't the only new grandchild as both my older sisters, Kindle and Karina are expecting too.

Kindle and Trevor in a house of their own and expecting baby number two, while Karina and Ben will be adding baby number three to their family!

And the menagerie at the Schmidt Stables is growing too, as they adopted one of the Lionheart cats, and Mom just gave her Sunshine, now that Fareshine has become an adult horse.

So the upcoming week will be filled with preparing for all the new babies expected in our growing families.

I can hardly wait to become a father!

With it still being winter and cold, I'll definitely have the time to take quite a few of my own photos, so I'll have many to share in Journal Entry 113: Bundles of Joy
Coming soon.

[sdhoey]

All I can say is wow, I am glad that you got to post your update and I think I am gonna have to read this story. I am hooked now.

Shannon

[deedee_828]

All I can say is wow, I am glad that you got to post your update and I think I am gonna have to read this story. I am hooked now.

Shannon

Thanks for the reply Shannon! It's so encouraging to have readers commenting on their enjoyment of my story.
Most of my Farmacy chapters focus on the farm, of course, but once in awhile I get to venture into different territory like Marley's story.
Marley is a sim that was shared with me and when I inquired as to her mother Myra's background, her creator's reply was such a wonderful addition to Marley's background that I couldn't resist using it.

Unfortunately, I just got another error 504, and the next chapter didn't post.

Admin isn't quite sure why this happening to me on a regular basis, but we're still working on it.

[deedee_828]

The next couple of days had me sitting with Marely continuing with my fishing books, while Marely focused on learning as much as she could about rearing children via Kids' TV.

Kindle spent hours watching with her, only stopping to allow Dad some grandpa time, patting, listening, and talking to her tummy.




And we had a surprise visit from ghostly Grandpa Nolan too!

Once Grandma got over the shock of seeing him, she eagerly shared all the upcoming baby news.

You could hear the pride in her voice as she told him, "Kindle and Trevor are having their second child, while Karina and Benjamin are on their third! And Diwan has surprised us all by getting engaged and married to his Marley on the same day, and they are now expecting their first child! I've been so blessed to not only  be around to see my great grandchildren, Nolan, but to actually teach Evan, Kindle and Trevor's son, his toddler skills!"




Grandma Summer was so filled with love and pride for her growing family, she impulsively hugged my ghostly Grandpa!

I thought that was rather sweet, love surpassing the bonds of life and death, so I couldn't resist a photo.




But when things turned a bit more romantic, I decided I should follow my own advice and give them some privacy!

Watching your grandparents kiss is bad enough, but when one of them is a ghost, it takes someone with more than my courage to stay in the same room!




So I persuaded dad to help me in the nectary gardens, which definitely needed some tending.

Many of the plants down there needing weeding, while others were ready for harvest.




When I got back inside, I found Marley sitting at the kitchen table, gobbling down ice cream straight from the carton!

She saw the look on my face and stopped with the spoon ready to dig into the carton for another bite, as she explained, "I was outside getting some fresh air, as they said that's important for me and the baby, and then I had this overwhelming urge for ice cream! I couldn't even wait to take off my outerwear, it was the strangest thing ever Diwan!"

Since Grandma Summer had raised five children of her own, and then helped Mom with raising three grandchildren, I told Marley she should speak with Grandma Summer about it, as the reigning baby expert.




I followed Marley to the nursery, where Grandma Summer spends most of her time, even though Evan's no longer living here, for moral support, and to get photos, of course.

Being the keeper of the family journals had me sympathizing with Mom about skulking around and taking photos of people, but rather me than some strange Watcher Lady!

And Grandma did put Marley's fears to rest, saying, "Oh, that's perfectly natural my dear, I myself wanted nothing but Lifefruit pancakes! And I know just the thought of it nearly killed my dear Nolan, to see his perfect Lifefruit used to make plain old pancakes instead of his precious nectar! But he indulged me like all loving husbands do for their pregnant wives. Besides, you exercise enough to work off any indulgences you give in to. It was much harder for me to get rid of 'baby' weight! Mostly because my weight had nothing to do with expecting."




Marley was so relieved at the news that she said, "Well, that's a weight off my mind!"

Then the two of them laughed at the word Marely had chosen.




Then Grandma motioned to Marely's tummy and asked, "May I my dear?"

Marley, her grin going wider, said, "Of course, Grandma Summer, it will be a privilege to have our little one get to know his or her great-grandmother!"

As Grandma patted Marely's tummy, she said, "Why thank you dear, speaking of family, Diwan tells us you've found out about some of your own? That you have both a birth family and an adopted one, when you were very young, and I wondered if that's given you any ideas for names for your coming child?"

Marley nodded enthusiastically, and replied, "My birth mother took the last name of Scott, so Diwan and I thought that would work nicely for a boy, much better than Frio or Farmwell, for a first name anyway. Can you imagine Farmwell Swanson running Swanson's Farm? It's just too corny!"

Grandma laughed and agreed, "A tad too country, even for Appaloosa Plains! But Scott Swanson has a nice ring to it. And for a girl?"

Marley bit her lip and said, "Well, I've always been partial to the name Mia, but then I realized both my mother's names, Myra and Mary, contain the same four letters, so I was thinking that I could honor both of them, and Mother Rielle, by combining them together."

Grandma Summer arched one eyebrow and asked, "Mia is a sweet name. But I must ask, have you been sneaking in some Romance movies in between kid's shows? A certain sparkly vampire movie perhaps!?!"

Marley blushed a bit and said, "Maybe. Do you think that's even cornier than a farmer named Farmwell?"

"That depends. What name have you come up with?"

Marley hesitated for just a moment and then blurted out, "Myrabella!" as she watched Grandma's reaction closely.




Grandma straightened and whispered, "Myrabella Swanson, for Myra and Mary, and my Rielle! Oh, my dear, I think you've hit upon the perfect name! And what a lovely way to honor all three of them! But so hard to choose, if it's a girl, Mia or Myrabella. What a difficult decision. Let's get you off your feet and we'll chat some more about my favorite subject."




And Grandma did just that!

She settled Marley on one end of the sofa, sat down next to her, and they took in kid show after kid show.

I sat with them for awhile, to learn the bait for other fish, but it was hard to take the combination of kids' music and kids' TV that Grandma was subjecting Marley too, so I made some excuse about checking on some new nectary plants.

As I left the room, I did catch Grandma's eye and she winked as she said, "Who knows, if all goes well, maybe you won't have to choose between your girl names!"

I wasn't at all sure what Grandma meant by that, but Marley just laughed and said, "Wouldn't that be something!"




Mom decided to try Fareshine out in her first race, now that she was old enough to participate.

So they headed off to the Equestrian Center and got there in plenty of time to sign up for a beginner's racing course.

Mom called pleased as punch afterwards as Fareshine had outdone herself and come in 2nd in her very first race!

Fareshine had done so much galloping around when she was young that she'd earned herself 5 racing skill points and 7 jumping points!




I went into the kitchen to tell Marley the news, and got the shock of my life when I found her in labor!

Dad was in there too, but he was as useless as I was as we both clutched our heads and panicked, as Marley clutched her stomach and moaned with another contraction.




But Grandma was as cool and calm as a cucumber, strolling by with a load of laundry, smiling and saying, "That's it dear, breathe, breathe, breathe, in through the nose, out through the mouth, you're doing just fine. Let me pop this in the washer and I'll be right back to check on you."




I'd called Mom in my panic and she'd ridden Fareshine home faster than they'd run in the race!

Mom rushed inside from the back porch, almost freaking out as much as Dad and I had, with Grandma looking out the door and calmly asking, "You didn't leave the poor horse saddled did you Rielle?"

But before Mom could answer or Dad and I could decide if I should take Marley to the hospital, Marley let out a surprised sound.



 
And all of us stood stock still as Marley contentedly held our daughter in her arms!

Marley's pride couldn't be hidden as she said, "Just look at her! She's so perfect and she's not even crying, just waving her arms and cooing at me!"




But instead of turning to all of us and letting us see the baby, Marley made a beeline for the nursery, and I barely got there in time to see the wonder that happened next.

After gently placing our baby girl in her crib, Marley delivered her twin sister!




Mom and Dad were ecstatic and kissed each other in delirious happiness as both of their 'have five grandchildren' wishes completed.

Moments after, Kindle called, and I was so happy, I blurted out, "Can you believe it sis!?! I'm a father! Marley and I have twin daughters! Marley didn't have to choose between her favorite girl's names as we have both a Mia and a Myrabella!"

I heard Kindle's intake of breathe and then she said, "Congratulations baby brother! Pass my best wishes on to Marley and give the twins a cuddle from their Auntie Kindle."

"I will. Oh, what did you call for anyway? Did you want to take to Mom?"

Kindle took another breathe and then said, "No. I'll let you all enjoy your new babies. But if you could ask Mom and Dad to visit us tomorrow, I'd appreciate it."

"I'm sure they were already planning on that, with tomorrow, well, today now, being Snowflake Day. They wouldn't want to miss seeing you guys, especially Evan, on such an important family day."




Then Mom picked up her namesake, Myrabella, saying, "Your grandmother and I will take the night shift with the twins Diwan, you take care of Marley, she definitely needs to rest! "

Seeing Marley's happy but exhausted face, I couldn't disagree, and we both went off to bed.




Mom and Grandma were true to their words and tended to each of the girls throughout the night.

Ghostly Great-Grandpa Jared even popped in to welcome our daughters to the nursery when Grandma was playing with Mia!




It wasn't until later in the morning that I got to spend some time with my daughters, and holding one while seeing the other in her crib had me feeling a bit overwhelmed!

Panicked even!

But with Mom chatting away so calmly with her ghostly Grandpa Jared right behind me, I just focused on the baby I was holding, Mia, and took some calming breaths of my own.




They actually helped and soon I was even smiling as I cuddled little Mia close.

Then Mom and Dad decided it was late enough in the morning to visit Kindle and her family on the bluff above the town.




Kindle and Trevor's new home was a picture perfect postcard of a winter wonderland.

It being Snowflake Day made the day even more special as they anticipated seeing little Evan open their gifts.




But gifts were the last thing on Mom and Dad's minds when they got inside!

The store bought kind anyway, as Kindle and Trevor presented them with precious gifts of their own.

Mom and Dad were beside themselves as they cuddled Kindle and Trevor's twin sons, Chad and Tyler!

Sons that had been born moments after their twin cousins, so four new Swanson children born on Snowflake Day Eve, though the boys bore the Gallo last name.

Mom asked, "But why didn't you mention it to Diwan last night when you called!?! We would have come right over!"

Kindle gave Mom a look and replied, "That's exactly why! Our Evan got all the attention being the oldest grandchild and the first one born at the farm. Diwan and Marley and their twin daughters deserved their moment in the spotlight last night."

Mom and Dad nodded, Dad saying, "You are a very thoughtful older sister Kindle."

Then Mom said, all excited, "Twins again, Leonard! Oh, I'd hoped for them myself, but never even dreamed it would happen for any of my children! And now we've got twin granddaughters and twin grandsons! Seven grandchildren when we'd been hoping for five!"

Dad smiled, turned his head listening, and said, "And I think that's grandson number one letting us know he needs some attention too!"

Mom nodded, saying, "Let's get these two settled into their cribs and make sure he doesn't feel left out."




Mom got Chad settled first, so she swept Evan up into her arms, saying, "Don't worry big brother, we haven't forgotten you! Her come the tickle fingers!!!"

And Dad made him smile when he said, "I've got you next young man, so prepare for the claw!"

Evan looked at Dad, his eyes bright and his smile happy, as he claimed the attention of both his grandparents, like he had when he was the only grandchild, not the oldest one of seven!




With a set of twins in the house, Marley and I are going to be busy for a time, but at least we've got Mom, Dad, and Grandma, to help us out!

Kindle and Trevor don't have it quite as easy with a toddler and twin sons of their own, but Evan will soon be a child, so things should be easier for them after Evan's birthday.

And we should be hearing from Karina and Benjamin any day now about the last little addition we're expecting this winter.

It sure has been a winter full of bundles of joy, nothing better than babies as Snowflake Day presents!

I didn't get a boy, but there's still plenty of time for that to happen, and my twin daughters are enough to take in at the moment.

I'll write Journal Entry 114 as soon as I can, but now that I'm the father of the first set of twins on the farm, I'm sure I'll be quite busy, even with Mom, Dad, and Grandma helping.

[deedee_828]

Once Evan got in some playtime with both his grandparents, he was perfectly content to sit on the floor and sing to his doll.




This allowed Dad to feed Tyler a bottle, which made both of them happy.

Then Mom called us with Kindle and Trevor's amazing news, not one set of twins in the family, but two!




And that Watcher Lady, invasive though she may be at times, did help Kindle and Trevor out by making their new home a bit more comfortable, providing a nursery for their twins, with all the necessary baby items.




And big boy beds for when they were older.




And twin sons wasn't the only addition to the Gallo family, as with Evan's child birthday approaching, they'd gotten him a special gift.

A puppy of his very own!




After ringing off with Mom, I settled down happily in a rocker with Mia, and contemplated the most awesome Snowflake Day ever.




A few moments later, Myrabella woke up and started fussing, but before I could even stand up, Marley was picking her up and giving her a bottle.

No doubt about it, Marley's already a wonderful mother!




The rest of the morning was pretty much the same, with both Marley and I feeding, playing, and cuddling our girls.




We weren't totally on our own though, as Grandma Summer stayed close by giving us encouragement and moral support.

Mostly from a rocker as she said it's best to learn baby care by doing.




But she did let both Marley and I rock the girls when they both needed it.

This time we'd swapped and I rocked with Myrabella, while Marley spent some mommy time with Mia.




Once the girls we back in their cribs and napping, Grandma even kicked us out of the house, saying she'd sit with the girls while we got some fresh air.

Once outside, Marley and I built a snowman.




But when Marley let me finish it, she was horrified by the one I'd chosen.

A Grim snowman!

Marley wouldn't even look at it, and quickly reprimanded me in her sternest proper tone, "Diwan! Of all things, what would possess you to make that one, and on Snowflake Day, of all days!?!"

But it wasn't Marley's tone that had me standing still with shock, it was the shiver running down my spine as something, or someone, walked over my grave!

I finally found my voice as I said, "Inside! Hurry! Something's happened!"




And it had!

Grim had finally come for my Grandma Summer, the sweetest, kindest woman I had ever known.




But it didn't seem like it was much of a shock to her, being 135 days old, she just examined her new form with curiosity, saying, "Why, why it tingles a bit, but it doesn't hurt."




Then as Marley and I took in what was happening, she repeated, "Children, I'm okay. It doesn't hurt. It's time for me to join your grandfather. I've missed him so! I hadn't realized quite how much until he visited, but it's been quite some time since he left us."

Grandma Summer's words were meant to be kind, to let us know she was ready to go, but my heart felt like it was breaking and Marley was openly sobbing!




Then the ominous music started, music that fulfilled my snowman's premonition.

And Grim joined us in the nursery as a golden urn appeared on the floor!

Marley gasped as she saw him for the very first time, her sobs stilled as she clutched both hands to her chest.




But Grandma Summer was proper and dignified, welcoming Grim with open arms, saying, "Thank you for giving me so much extra time, Sir. Not many are given such a privilege, to stay with the living and see even one great-grandchild arrive, yet I've been granted the blessing of teaching my eldest one his toddler skills, and holding these two precious twins, the first in our family. Along with knowing I have four others bringing joy and happiness to their own parents, with another on the way. You've been more than generous, Mr. Grim."




Then she shook his hand, still smiling her sweet smile, as Grim replied, " You're one of the few who have recognized the odiousness of my task, mine and my brethren, my dear. I try to repay kindness to me in kind, giving those who understand and treat me well, with what extra days I can. It helped, you moving towns, and that you'd worked so diligently on your fitness. Gave me just the opportunity to extend your days, time and time again! But, alas, I can only do so much, and I must claim you now."

Then Grim looked hopefully around as he said, "Unless you have a pet friend that might beg for an extension?"

Grandma shook her head, "No. I've been spending a lot of time with our new pet, Kimo, but not enough to be a special friend of his." Shrugging she added, "I'm not even sure dogs can save their friends, like our cat, Flynn, saved my mother, but it makes no matter as I'm more than ready to join my Nolan!"




And with her words neither denied or confirmed by Grim, she crouched down and focused on her urn, as Marley brought her hands up to cover her face in her grief.




Then next moment she was gone and Marley, the twins, Kimo and I, were alone in the room with Grim!

Marley and I trying to breathe as we succumbed to bouts of crying, intermingled with disbelief, at how quickly our joy at the birth of two sets of twins, had turned to sorrow with Grandma Summer's loss.

Kimo stared perplexedly at the urn, whimpering, while, thankfully, our daughters were too young to understand what had happened.




Marley and I consoled each other the best we could, both of us not bothering to hide our tears or grief at Grandma Summer's loss.




But soon both our daughters needed tending, so we cared for them lovingly, sparing them the sorrowful emotions we both felt, but knowing they were much too understand our heartbreak.

As I played with Myrabella and Marley played with Mia, our thoughts were filled with Grandma Summer, and we knew it would be some time before thoughts of her weren't accompanied by tears of grief.




Mom and Dad got home just as we got the twins settled back into their cribs and I pulled Mom into my arms, hugging her tightly as I told her the sad news.

Dad stood their stoically, glancing between Grandma's golden urn and Mom, and I'm sure he was debating whether to give in to his own grief or hold it in to support Mom in hers.




Mom shed some tears, of course, but wiping her eyes, she questioned me a bit more on Grandma's passing.

"So…it...happened…right here? In the nursery?"

"Yes, the twins were down for naps, so she settled in a rocker and told Marley and me to go outside for some fresh air. So she was alone when it happened! Oh, I'm so sorry, Mom!"

"But Diwan, she wasn't alone! She was here! In the nursery with the twins! The place she loved best, especially when it was filled with babies, and she wasn't with just any babies, she was with her twin great-granddaughters. I'm sure she felt it was the perfect place to be when it was her time."

Mom's words were so sincere and struck such a cord in me, I knew she was right.

Grandma Summer's favorite place was the nursery as family was her focus for all the many chapters of her life.

But even so, I know it's going to be very, very, difficult to live in our home without her.




I'm going to stop here as my eyes have gone blurry again.

I made it through Grandma Summer's passing, but I don't think I'm ready to say any more than that.

Luckily we have the twins to focus on, keeping both of them fed, changed, and loved is a true blessing right now.

But this time doesn't last long and it'll be their birthdays before we know it.

That will definitely be a much happier entry to write.

Journal Entry 115: Toddler Twins
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

Though Grandma Summer had assured us she was ready to join Grandpa Nolan, and Mom had done her best to relieve Marley and me of any guilt about Grandma Summer being on her own when she met Grim, our grief still struck us at unexpected moments.

For Marley it happened as we were eating supper, and she couldn't even finish her meal.

It was her favorite too, spaghetti with veggie sauce, but she pushed quickly away from the table, crying out, "I can't believe she's gone Diwan! It just hurts so much! How can you be so calm about it, munching away on grilled cheese!?!"

I knew there wasn't much I could say to relieve her pain, especially since this was her first experience with losing someone, as she was too young to remember, or even understand, the loss of her adoptive parents.

But I did try, saying, "Not calm sweetheart, just accepting. It's been a long time since Grim's been to our farm, but Grandpa Nolan died on my teen birthday, so I was old enough to remember the feeling of loss and pain. Not that it gets any easier, I'm just trying to get through it, same as you are."

Marley's tone went from angry to contrite as she apologized, "I'm so sorry Diwan! I'm just not myself, please forgive me? I know you loved her and miss her terribly!"

"There's nothing to forgive love, grief hits us all, and you loved her and miss her just like the rest of us. Maybe you should call it a night? Take a bath and try to relax, sleep if you can? Mom, dad, and I will take care of the twins."

Marley put away her food, sniffled, and said, "If you're sure Diwan, I think I'll do just that. I never realized grief could be so exhausting."




Since I went to bed much later, I woke alone in our room late the next morning, and I'd only taken a few steps towards the bedroom door when, remembering Grandma Summer was gone, my grief struck me like a blow!

I'd been wrong to think that my childhood experience of death had prepared me in any way for this new loss!




But, thankfully, focusing on the twins helped all of us more than anything else could, keeping us busy with their care and comfort.

While I'd been sleeping, Mom had done her share of the baby care.




Dad got in some rocker time too, so our two girls never lacked for love.

They got more than their fair share of cuddles and soothing rocker time.




But I think it helped Marley the most.

Listening to our daughter's gurgles and coos as they waved their arms, seeing their eyes light up as they focused on her face, feeling them snuggled close as she rocked them.

Experiencing the joys of new life, and being all the more glad of it when we realize just how fleeting it can be.




With it's cycle of life and death, brutal though losing our loved ones can be, it does make new young lives all the more precious.

And I think this extreme struck Marley even more forcefully than the rest of us, with it being her first memorable experience of loss, and having it happen so soon after the birth of our daughters.




But there was another birth on the horizon for our family and Mom and Dad rushed over to the Stables right after they received the happy news.

Mom, of course, made a beeline for the new arrival, another daughter, this one christened Jessica Schmidt!




While Dad was content to play with a growing Bryce, who was happy to have his grandpa all to himself.

"Lelloe blok goes here grampaw," Bryce explained solemnly.

And Dad nodded proudly, saying, "So it does little man, so it does!"




Once Mom had visited with her newest granddaughter, she asked Karina where little Karie was, and was a bit surprised by the answer, "Oh, Dad's giving her a tour of the barn."

"The barn!?! You've let him take a little one to the barn!?!"

Rushing out to see this event for herself, and possibly save her granddaughter from the hazards that were running through her head, Mom was even more surprised when she found Dad out there holding a dark-haired toddler!

Dad smiled as he told Mom, "She saw the horses from the living room window and wanted to get a closer look."

Karie eagerly bounced up and down in her grandpa's arms, parroting, "Horsy, horsy, wanna see horsy!"

Mom beamed and said proudly, "Well, of course you do! It sounds like you're going to be a horse lover just like me Karie!"

Dad laughed and said, "Speaking of horses, here's Sunshine and Wayfarer's foal now! They had a colt this time! Ben told me they named him Baron."




As thrilled as Mom was to spend time with her grandchildren, she couldn't resist getting a better look and photo of Baron.

But once she had the shot focused, she realized, to her horror, that Dad had placed Karie on the barn floor and left her on her own!




Before she could protest, dad came flying back inside and picked Karie up saying, "I've got you sweetie!"

Then turning to Mom, he said, "I just took a minute to fork some hay our for the horses, I had no idea Baron and Wayfarer would come trotting in here so fast!"

Mom looked at Dad and I just know she was giving him that look!

The one that says, 'You are just lucky she didn't get hurt!'

But she was so furious with him, putting Karie in danger like that, I figured he'd be sleeping in one of the extra twin beds upstairs!




Luckily for Dad, we had a big event going on when they got home, the twins' birthdays!

Karina and Ben had arranged for a sitter for their three young ones, so they got to join us for the festivities.

Marley did the honors for Mia, while I loudly tooted a party horn.




Kindle and Trevor's Evan was there too, as he'd recently celebrated his child birthday, and was old enough to attend.

And he eagerly waved greetings to all of us as Marley blew out Mia's candle.




Then Marley placed Mia gently on the kitchen floor, and decided to twirl into formalwear, I guess she thought that would be more proper, just as the birthday sparkles surrounded our eldest daughter.




And once Mia's transformation was complete, she sat before us sporting the Swanson red hair, just like mine and Grandma Summer's!




We got Mia settled in the nursery with the pegbox, so she could have some fun while we celebrated Myrabella's  birthday.




Marley did the honors for Myrabella too, but right after placing Myrabella on the floor, Marley broke down over Grandma Summer again.

Marley is so proper she even tried to apologize, "It's just that…Mia's red hair…"

I said, "No need to explain sweetheart, we all understand."




But when Myrabella aged up with the same red hair color, we were all pretty speechless!

I know I'd been hoping that at least one of the twins would have Marley's pretty purple streaked green hair, but with both Grandma Summer and me having the Swanson red hair, I guess the percentage was definitely in our favor.




And as we watched over the two of them playing together with the dollhouse, it seemed a fitting way to grant one more honor  to Grandma Summer, having two of her great-granddaughters grace the nursery with Swanson red hair and fill it with toddler chatter once again.




With the twins both happily chewing on their daddy dolls, the rest of us grabbed cake and brought it down to the nectary dining area, since the kitchen table was holding both of the birthday cakes.

And Mom finally got over her annoyance with Dad, to say, "Imagine both of the twins getting Mom's red hair, Leonard! Toddlers always seem to throw you a curve ball, especially their hair color. I know I was pretty floored when Karina ended up with mine, courtesy of my Grandma Brina."

Dad shrugged, "Well, I think Diwan played some part in it, he does have the Swanson red hair too!"

Mom laughed, "That's true enough! Now that I think about it, we got pretty lucky with our three each inheriting a different color." Looking up at Kindle, she said, "You're the one that got your dad's hair, and it's the same color as your grandfather Nolan's too, though he no longer had hair when you knew him, it was dark when he was a young man."

Kindle shot a glance at her oldest son, saying, "And our Evan got your hair too, Mom! I'm not making any bets on what color hair our twins will end up with as is seems to be pretty random!"




Karina shrugged after cleaning up her plate, saying, "I agree, our older two both have dark hair that doesn't look quite like anyone else's in the family, so we have no idea what color Jessica's will be, though Benjamin is hoping for mine."

Helplessly splaying her hands, she added,  "Sim genetics is quite beyond me! But does anyone really think it makes sense!?!"

I wasn't sure who Karina was asking, but it stopped Evan in his tracks as he asked, frowning, "What's genetics?"

Kindle laughed and said, "Ask your father later! But make sure I'm in the room, I want to see his face!"




Upstairs in the house, Marley had finished her cake and was working on the girls' new outfits.

She even went so far as to make sure they included the girl's favorite colors.

Mia favored gray, so Marley indulged her with a soft grey and white everyday outfit.




While Myrabella was partial to lilac, so she got a mix of lilac, a darker grey, and white.




Then Marley gave them each a bedtime bottle.

And when they finished their bottles, she began their potty training, with their Aunt Karina presiding over the whole affair from a rocking chair.

Marley was completely sympathetic saying, "By all means, get off your feet! I'm surprised you came over, having a new baby at home."

"I'm just feeling so tired. I thought all the pets were a full-time job, but add a new baby and two toddlers to that, and it's completely exhausting!"

"I don't doubt it a bit, but I don't plan on finding out!"

"But you need to have a third child!"

"Oh, we'll have at least one more child, but I'm not sure when. But I meant not having all those pets, though I wouldn't mind adopting another dog!"

When it was Myrabella's turn to use the potty chair, Mia played with the peg box again.




So Marley, believing it only fair and proper, let both girls have a bit of playtime before bed.




What a day it's been!

It started off pretty rough, being hit with pangs of grief for Grandma Summer, but things improved throughout the day.

Karina and Benjamin welcomed their third child, a daughter, Jessica, and Karina seems pretty overwhelmed with three children, four horses, three cats, two dogs, and a barn full of small critters, enough to open a small pet shop!

Then we celebrated the twins toddler birthdays with a big family party, which revealed that both Mia and Myrabella have the Swanson red hair, which seemed fitting, a final honor to Grandma Summer, even if I probably contributed to that, having hair the same color.

Marley's been a trooper, already getting the twins started on their potty training, but now the real fun, and work, begins as it's toddler skills times two!

And though I thought nothing else could shock me, I went a bit numb when Kindle announced she and Trevor were expecting baby number four, and had their fingers crossed for a girl this time!

Mom and Dad didn't even try to hide their smiles at the prospect of grandbaby number nine, or maybe even ten, if Kindle has twins again!

If I hadn't heard Marley's 'at least one more, but I don't know when' comment, I might have truly panicked!

But another dog sounds okay, maybe a puppy this time?

Even so, dog, puppy, or not, I figure we'll be pretty busy if we want the twins to learn all their skills before fishing season begins!

I'll tell you all about it in Journal Entry 116: A Letter to Family
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

With the birth of the twins, Grandma Summer's passing, and the twins toddler birthdays, plus all the other family births, Marley and I had been very wrapped up in our own little world of family events.

But now that some time had passed, we'd gotten through the worst of our grief, settled more into our roles as parents, though the twins toddler skills still lay ahead of us, Marley's thoughts turned towards her birth parents, Myra Farmwell Scott Frio  and Jared Frio.

She'd done some research on-line and found what she hoped was current contact information, an address and phone number for them in Monte Vista.

And when she saw the photos of it on-line, she couldn't help compare it to the painting that hung on the wall above the computer!




From her web search she learned the Monte Vista was a town 'with old world charm and gorgeous Italian villas basking in the sun-kissed gleam that radiates an earthy warmth throughout the countryside and within the picturesque villages sandstone walls.'

And one of the many photos she saw brought that description to life completely!




Marley debated on calling as her initial contact method, but then decided that a letter would be best, so she sat at the kitchen table and wrote to them.

She would have loved to call them Mom and Dad, but felt that might be a bit presumptive and not quite proper under the circumstances, so she addressed them by their first names, as last names and titles seemed too formal.
 
Dear Myra and Jared,

I'm sure this letter will come as a surprise after all these years, but I truly hope a welcome one.

Obtaining my adoption file and learning about you and my past was one of the most life-changing experiences of my life!

To know that I was loved by you and by my adoptive parents was such heart-warming knowledge that it gave me a sense of belonging that I had not known before that time.

From the contents of my file we learned that your story was a sad one, but one that ended on a positive note when you left me with the Smith's, not wanting to diminish the happiness they'd found being able to adopt a child, me, after all those years. I truly feel that your decision, though a difficult one to make, was a wise one, showing your maturity in not breaking up such a family unit, and I commend you for doing so.

I don't mean to burden you with this information, but my formative years with the Smith's, though loving from the photos I saw in my file, were short, as my file also contained a newspaper article documenting a fatal car crash in which they both perished, when I was about three years old. With the Smith's having no other family, I again became a ward of the state, as, unfortunately, your desire to be reunited with me as an infant was only documented in your letter, which was still in it's sealed envelope!

But please don't fret that the years following that event were detrimental to me as they were not. From what I can remember, my time in group homes or foster families was one of new adventures where I was cared for and loved.

And if I hadn't been fostered by a family in Aggie's Corner as a child, I would never have come to know the Swanson family, of which I am definitely a part of now!

In fact, it was my husband, Diwan Swanson, that encouraged me to search for you, and he was by my side when I opened my file and learned of my adoptive parents, and you, my birth parents, and we even read your letter together.

Diwan's take on the events of my early life were different than mine and he thought I would react with anger rather than sadness, but that is not the case at all! For, as I reminded him, without being a foster child, I would never have come to Aggie's corner, met him as a child, fell in love with him when we were in high school, and been able to foster here in Appaloosa Plains when his family relocated here just before graduation, and then marry him soon after we both became young adults!

And life has gone on since then, of course. Like it always does! So I have included a wedding photo, as well as many others, documenting some of the important events in our lives. I hope they convey to you just how wonderful my life is currently, and why I feel that your wishes for me, to have a life full of love and happiness, have come true in a spectacular way!

I hope this letter finds the both of you happy and in good health, and nothing would make me happier than to receive a letter back from you and to open the lines of communication that you wished for in your letter to me.

Love from your long-lost daughter,

Marley Smith Frio Swanson

P.S. I have three last names just like you Myra! I wonder if we have any other similarities as mother and daughter!?!




She included a wedding photo that wasn't already in my journal and captioned it, 'One of the happiest moments in my life, voicing my vows of love to Diwan, right before placing a wedding band on his finger, and becoming husband and wife!'




'Another special moment in my life, finding out about my past when we were expecting our first child!'




'My husband Diwan rocking with our daughter, Mia!'




'Me rocking with her twin, Myrabella, the first set of twins in the Swanson family!'




'Myrabella after her birthday, wearing her new outerwear, looking cute as a button.'




'Mia in a matching outfit, looking just as sweet.'




'Though that sweetness can be a bit deceiving, as while Myrabella holds her doll gently and sings to her, Mia's a bit more rough, bashing hers about in between cuddles!'

'A local journalist caught that on camera while we were enjoying the day at the Spring Festival. A treat for all of us as the girls had learned most of their toddler skills during the cold and snowy winter, finishing up as Spring was upon us.'




'But Myrabella's not always so sunny and sweet either, like all toddlers she has her moments! She was past due for a nap and wasn't happy with her peg box at all!'




'Mia's got a softer side too, showing a talent for music as she taps gently on her drum.'




'Though toddler skills times two took much more time than a few photos can express, here's Myrabella toddling towards me to complete walking as Diwan started teaching Mia a few words.'




'And it wasn't all talking, walking, and potty training, Diwan and I made sure we spent time playing with the girls with their peg box and xylophone, which are great for learning as well as having some fun!'




'But the timing of the twins completion of their toddler skills and the Spring Festival wasn't the only reminder that a season of renewal was upon us, as with the ponds thawing, Diwan caught his last few perfect fish! Several at the water treatment plant and fish hatchery, where he proudly showed off this beauty of a swordfish!'




'Early the next morning, before sunrise even, he caught his 13th perfect specimen, a rainbow trout, from his very own pond on our farm, which made it even more special!'




'He immediately set up his own private aquarium in the room previously known as the terrarium room, and his father snapped photos of his grand achievement, made all the more so as it completed his lifetime dream!'




'And when he woke me to share his news, I was almost as excited as he was! So we celebrated with hugs and kisses and some alone time in our room, since the twins were still fast asleep.'




I'm ending my entry here as I still feel some things should be private and was a bit shocked that my 'proper' Marley had included that last bit of information, though she thankfully stopped at sharing photos of our intimate time together with her newly found birth parents!

Photos I found on my dresser, so I know for a fact that Watcher Lady is still keeping tabs on us!

Marley laughed at my prudishness and said that romantic love WAS proper, especially between husband and wife, and besides that she wanted her birth parents to know for a fact that her life was full of love and happiness.

Well, I couldn't argue with that sentiment, but it didn't stop my cheeks from turning almost as red as my hair!

But I sincerely hope, for Marley's sake, that her letter and photos reach her birth parents and that they are still as receptive to establishing a relationship with Marley as they were when she was a nooboo.

As for me, I'm over the moon at how quickly I caught my last four perfect fish and can't wait to add some of my catches to our next batch of consigned items and start earning some money!

Until next time in Journal Entry 117: Family Galore
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

With Grandma Summer gone and Marley busy with the twins most days, Kimo had been spending more and more time with dad, to the point that they'd become friends.

If Kimo wanted a treat, he whined in the kitchen until Dad noticed and got him one!




But with the twins toddler skills completed, and just a bit more to go on peg box and xylophone skills, which the twins could learn on their own, Marley took advantage of the warming weather and took Kimo to the dog park in town and started teaching him to hunt.




Mom, of course, took Fareshine over to the Equestrian Center and entered another race, a cross-country this time, and Fareshine placed a respectable 2nd again, gaining another racing skill point!

Whether it was her own skill or natural ability from her sire, Wayfarer, or her dam, Sunshine, Fareshine had eight jumping skill points and five racing skill points when she aged up to a mare and went to her very first race.

Mom felt that Fareshine was way ahead on her training and that competing was a natural progression of her skills, and wanted to focus on that, especially as Mom wasn't sure how many racing days she had left as an elderly jockey!

Mom's words had me thinking seriously about a time when she and Dad wouldn't be around as Grim had really given Grandma Summer extensive grace time, but that was such a negative thought, I quickly banished it from my mind!




Though it did remind me to place Grandma Summer's urn upstairs with Grandpa Nolan's, with lemonade reposing between them, fitting for her as she loved summer and the outdoors.

Though I had yet to remove her and Grandpa Nolan's gardening trophies from their spot in our bedroom.

I made a mental note to do that, but chances are, I'll probably leave them where I can see them every morning when I wake up, an inspiration to me to focus on my own gardening skill, even if I can't obtain a trophy, gardening not being my career.

That thought prompted me to wonder if there were any rewards or trophies for fishing, and I smiled as I should be finding out soon enough with being able to sell fish now!




One of the things I hadn't mentioned yet is meeting Brant Dean, who was visiting Appaloosa Plains, and ended up at the Water Treatment and Fish Hatchery while I was there fishing for my last few perfect fish.

And it was no coincidence that he his last name was Dean, as he was related to me on two sides, being the son of Grandma Summers's nephew, Flynn Swanson, and Grandpa Nolan's niece, Emilie Dean!

Turns out his parents were still on the outs, though both were pressuring him to marry, and he decided to take a nice long vacation to get out of the target zone. 

He was currently on 'walkabout' through Sim Land, playing the tourist, rather than deal with yet another blind date with 'a great girl who has a wonderful personality and even better sense of humor', which we all know means she's usually not very pretty.

Yeah, guys can be shallow like that!




But after hearing some of Brant's horror-stories, I could see he'd been blind-sided one too many times!

Though when he asked me about my current status, he was pretty shocked to find out that, even though I was much younger than he was, I'd already married and was the father of twins!

But after showing him photos of Marley and the twins his only comment was that I was a 'lucky' guy' and I nodded, knowing it was true.

Then he filled me in on some of the other family news from back home, who had passed on, and who was married, and who had kids now.

I, of course, talked eagerly about all the fish I'd caught today, especially my three perfect ones, and that incredible swordfish!

This took some time and by the time we were finished 'catching up' on each others news, it had started raining and we both headed our separate ways.

Me, home to Marley and my waiting family, and Brant to continue on his 'walkabout', heading for the next town, another adventure, and whatever fun he could find.

Personally, I'm glad the powers that be in Sim Land aligned the stars so that I met Marley, otherwise, I'd have probably spent all my time fishing and gardening, and found myself alone!




But I wasn't the only one having an incredible day.

Mom and Dad had gotten a call from Kindle and Trevor and went over to see them immediately.

 Mom found a very upset toddler, Chad, crying right inside the entryway, and had to tickle him into a better mood.

It helped, but a clean diaper and a bottle did even more for him!




Before Mom could start giving Kindle or Trevor any 'looks', a proud Kindle showed off her new daughter, Deanna!

But then Mom spotted Dad behind Kindle and was a bit puzzled with his preoccupation when he had a new granddaughter to be spoiling.




Until she got closer and realized he WAS spoiling a new granddaughter, Deanna's twin, Brianna!




It didn't take long Mom to get the house back in ship shape and get one of those nooboos in her arms and head for a rocker!

Even though she's not family-oriented, like Grandma Summer and Karina, Mom sure has a soft spot for her grandbabies.




But mom and dad are all about fair play and making sure all their grandkids get some attention, so after feeding, changing, and snuggling the two new little ones, Dad spent some time with Tyler too.

Tickle fingers and 'the claw' being toddler favorites!




And both boys got cuddles and special goodbyes when it was time for Mom and Dad to head home.

Just look at what good moods Tyler and Chad are in now, totally relaxed and happy to be getting attention from their grandparents.

Dad looks proud as punch, in part do to completing that ten grandchildren wish he'd been holding onto for awhile, I'm sure.

Mom looks a little more sober as I'm sure the shock of Kindle having another set of twins, giving her and Trevor five children, a child, two toddlers, and two nooboos, has her a bit concerned!

I know I would be terrified!




Speaking of being terrified, Mom and Dad came home to see her ghostly Grandpa Jerad passed out on the floor, blocking their bedroom door!




A quick look around and the reason was plain enough, ghostly Kobe the cat was napping in the pet bed nearby and it was apparently too much for Grandpa Jerad's cowardly way to endure, even though he's a ghost himself!




The next morning, Mom got a call from Karina and went over to the Stables for a visit.

They found Benjamin with Karie checking the water trough, to make sure the horses all had plenty to drink with the warmer weather.




It didn't take Mom long to persuade Karie to come to her, and Karie's excited chatter, "Horsey, Gamma, horsey!!!", showed that Karie hadn't lost her interest in them in the least.

Mom had high hopes that a budding equestrian was in the making as she said, "Yes, horses, sweetie, and when you're old enough, Grandma can teach you to ride!"

So it was no surprise when Karie's next words were, "Ride horsey now, Gamma! Ride now!"

Mom distracted her with the promise of a treat inside and some playtime.




But it was Mom who was surprised as she found little Jessica inside playing with the toddler toys!

So Mom got Karie settled at the peg box, and helped Jessica with the xylophone.

"Look at you, a big girl already! Let's practice some notes while Karie plays with her blocks."




But when Karina came into the living room, Mom was even more shocked when she realized Karina was expecting again!

Karina jumped up and down in her excitement, saying, "I know they'll be close, but Karie will be joining Bryce in grade school soon and I don't want Jess to be lonely!" With a grin she added, "Besides, I love family too much not to have a big one!"

Mom smiled and said, "And to think we wondered if you'd ever find someone and have a family of your own back in Aggie's Corner! It was meant for us to move the farm here and for you to meet your Benjamin! I'm so happy for you Karina!"

"Thanks Mom. And since you've got the girls well in hand, I'll take a moment to help Ben with all the small pets. I'm sure one or more of their terrariums need cleaning and fresh food, and don't get me started on the bird cages!"

Mom laughed as she said, "But you love it Karina! The big family, all the pets. You know, if there'd been space on the farm, you would have made a wonderful heir, you are a farm girl at heart!"

"I am! But I think it all worked out for the best. Me and Ben and our growing family here at the Stables, and Diwan, Marley, and the twins on the farm. But I still can't believe Kindle settled down after all her teen and young adult birthday drama, married Trevor, and now has five kids with two sets of twins!"

"Yeah that part was truly unexpected, but Kindle changed so much after your Grandpa Nolan's passing. It hit her hard and family became more important to her after that. But three sets of twins in the family now," shooting Karina a quick look she added, "unless you end up with twins too!?!"

Karina laughed this time, "Nope. One at a time for me, please! It's busy enough here without adding double trouble!"




The day also brought new duties to our farm, as with my thirteen perfect fish swimming happily around in fish bowls, joined by a perfect toad, they all required feeding , and dad happily volunteered to do the honors this first go round.

I hadn't really thought about all of them needing to be fed, though at least their fish bowls don't need cleaning, unlike the small pets in the terrariums who require both.




Dad and I spent some much needed time in the garden after that and then I took our harvestables and most of the fish in our personal inventories and headed off to the consignment store in a motive mobile.

Getting up super early to catch that last perfect fish and then spending a night with restless toddlers after the afternoon at the Spring Festival, plus spending this morning harvesting, had me exhausted, so the motive mobile was more of a necessity than a luxury at that point!




And it was a good thing all my needs had been restored as Marley had news of her own, she was expecting again!

But instead of having me pass out on the floor, I felt thrilled at the thought of being a dad again, and a wish for a another little girl, maybe one with Marley's hair color, joined my wish for a boy, which covered both bases this time around.

Marley shared her secret though, that she'd like a son this go 'round, and maybe he would have her hair!




Mom and Dad had heard us talking and when the twins started fussing, they hurried to the nursery to get them taken care of.

And though I thought they were a bit too young to understand, Mom and Dad said, "You two are not only going to have your birthdays soon, you're going to be big sisters too!"

The girls reaction to that news not only proved how wrong I was, but showed off their personalities in very distinct ways.

Mia looked away from Mom, asking, "Hafta share toys!?!"

Though her smile returned when Mom said, "No, the baby will be too young to play with your big girl toys."

While Myrabella smiled and said, "Baby sissie!?!"

To which Dad answered, "Or a baby brother! We won't know until he or she gets here! We like babies to be a surprise."




So a lot has happened over the last few days.

I met a family member from Aggie's Corner, Brant Dean, and instead of being jealous of his single, free-as-a-bird lifestyle, it really made me appreciate my parents, Marley, and my girls even more!

Kindle and Trevor added twin daughters, Brianna and Deanna, to their growing family, giving them a total of five kids, with Chad and Tyler being toddlers, and Evan still in grade school.

Karina and Ben's Bryce is in grade school too, leaving Karie to be joined in toddlerhood by baby sister, Jessica, and their family growing as another child is expected any day now!

I'd thought that my sister's had gone insane with the additions to their households showing up one right after another, but when Marley sprung the news that we were expecting again, too, I was happy and proud at the idea of being a father again, rather than terrified.

Though I'm with Karina for having only one this time, as even with my lifetime dream completed, there's still a lot of work to be done on the farm, between the gardening, the nectary, Fareshine, and my fishing, quite a lot of work!

So we're waiting on several big events right now, Karina and Ben's new baby, our twins child birthdays, along with the Gallo twins' birthdays, plus our own new little addition, and a letter from Marley's parents!

Most of which are all exciting, positive events, except for the unknown response of that letter, and I'm hoping it's a good one, as Marley eagerly checks the mail every day.

I know she'll be disappointed if she doesn't get a response, but better that than a negative one where they refuse to acknowledge her, which would totally crush her!

Here's hoping that my next writings, Journal Entry 118, will contain all positive news.

[deedee_828]

The day started out as usual, getting out of bed, showering, having breakfast, with Marley anxiously watching the clock as she'd done every day since posting her letter to her birth parents.

I watched from the porch, almost as anxious as she was, but for a different reason, not wanting to see her disappointment if the box did not contain a return letter.

But this morning was different, as Marley let out a startled cry when she pulled a white box all tied up with a red ribbon from the mailbox!

"Oh, it's come! A package from Monte Vista!"




With the package looking like a beautiful gift, my misgivings on negative contents vanished, as no one would wrap up a rejection like that.

And I was proved correct as the box was filled with photographs carefully wrapped between two pages of a letter.

My dear, dear, daughter, Marley,

Your letter was a surprise, but a wonderous one!

I almost fell to my knees in my astonishment when I saw the name on the return address.

My heart bursting with joy and gladness at being found by our daughter at last, your father was thrilled too, amazed even, after all this time apart from you.

But of course, you're a young women now, of an age to request adoption records, as I know from celebrating your birthday in my own quiet, contemplative way, since the day you were born.

Your wedding photo brought tears to my eyes and, the photos of our darling twin granddaughters, more joy than I ever thought imaginable.

The love you and your Diwan share is plainly seen in your photos and on the faces of Mia and Myrabella, so I can see without a doubt that my wish for you has come true, you are happy and loved!

But seeing the photos of the twins reminded me of when your brothers were young, yes darling, you have two younger brothers!

I've enclosed some photos so you have them to treasure as we treasure the ones you sent to us.

Of course, your brothers are older now, but somewhat younger than you, as with you being with the Smith's, I couldn't bear the thought of another child for quite some time. Then when I felt able to handle a pregnancy and an infant, it took some time before it happened, though once we had Jake, Joshua followed quickly just a couple of years later!

I thought you might like to see them as they were when we first moved to Monte Vista, learn a bit about their toddler years, to be connected to that period of our lives, and see for yourself just how much we are alike, my darling daughter!

The first photo took Marley's breathe away as it showed a man, who must be her father, pushing a toddler in a stroller.

Not that that was anything spectacular, but the man had red hair, much like mine and our twins, though maybe more of an auburn shade, and the toddler had hair the color of Marley's own!

"Oh, oh, Diwan, the girls get the red from three family members, not just two, and my brother has my hair color! I wonder which brother that is?"

Marley quickly checked the note on the back of the photo to find out it was her father Jared and her brother Jake, when he was about 2 or 3 years of age.




And the next photo was even more telling as it had the notation, 'me with Jake after potty training.'

"I look a lot like her Diwan, and it's from her that I got my hair color! It's not some odd quirk from Moonlight Falls after all, but a natural inherited color! Since we look so much alike, I wonder if we have other things in common too?"




But instead of waiting for my reply, Marley was busy looking at the next photo.

Her father and Jake again, this time with Jake laughing as Jared tickled him silly, like Myra had said, love clearly showing in the interaction between parent and child, even in an old photo.




Then a sweet one of her father cuddling a nooboo, Joshua, of course.

Her mother's notation confirmed this, 'Your father changed so much after we decided to leave you with the Smith's, he gave up his party ways, along with his mean streak, and was a warm and loving father as you can plainly see by the expression on his face as he snuggled Joshua.
Instead of spending all his free time making inappropriate forum posts, he developed a passion for reading, either on his own or with our boys.'




'But one thing that didn't change is his love of cooking!

He's definitely the king of the kitchen, and I leave him to it.'




'And no matter how tired he is, he's always thrilled when he gets to eat his favorite meal, grilled salmon!'




"Jake shares his father's love of food!'




'Not long after moving to Monte Vista, we celebrated Joshua's birthday. I could barely contain my excitement as I brought him to his cake and helped him blow out his candle!'




'Here's one of his formal photos in a new toddler outfit. I think he has my mouth, but he definitely has his father's red hair!'




'The first thing your brothers did together as toddlers was play with the dollhouse and they were quite mean to their daddy dolls! I pointed out to your father that the daddy doll was dressed in green, Jared's favorite color, so it was good thing he'd changed his ways, otherwise I'd think the boys were plotting against him.'

Marley laughed as she said, "The twins did that same thing when they became toddlers, good thing your favorite color is red Diwan!"

I smiled and said, "I'm not worried about it, after all, there only seems to be daddy dolls in the dollhouse, so I'm thinking it's you who needs to be worried!"

"Me? Why?"

"Well, what's happened to the mommy dolls!?! They've disappeared! At least the daddy dolls are still around, even if that means getting their heads chewed on or having toddlers try and twist them off!"




Marley was still pondering that when she moved on to the next photo.

"Oh, my mother paints Diwan! And look how talented she is! That painting is amazing!"

I had to agree as it was rather striking and since it was an outdoor scene, it appealed to me even more.

'With your brothers keeping each other company, I indulged myself and finished a painting that I'd been working on since before Joshua was born.'




'With my painting complete, I started chatting with Joshua, to get his vocabulary built up.'




'Before we knew it, it was Leisure Day, and your father couldn't resist throwing a pool party to get to know his co-workers better, as becoming friends with them would be crucial to becoming a master chef in our new town, though he's quite accomplished already, being at level 8 in his cooking career. He grilled of course, to show off his cooking skills and to provide our guests with a home-cooked meal.'
 
'That's Zelda Jane Halliwell with the dark green skin and blazing red hair, she's originally from a beautiful town called Union Cove. But she relocated here to help out the young woman further back, with the light green skin, Dulcinea Riverhawk, another transplant that was born in Hidden Springs, and has even vacationed in Isla Paradiso, and is quite the celebrity.'




'Our guests gathered for a meal together, praising your father's delicious food as well as that brought by other guests.'




'Then Zelda Jane and I cooled off in the pool, splashing, diving, and having hold your breath contests. It was a wonderful way to relax on a hot day.'




Jared spent some time chatting with his boss, Gino Ferrari, and found out that they both are natural cooks, which furthered their relationship quite a bit.'

But it wasn't her father's new friend that had Marley focused on this photo, it was the painting of her father framed perfectly in the window that caught her eye!

"Oh, I wonder if that's one of Mom's paintings Diwan? Just look how wonderfully she's captured his likeness!"




'Though your father wasn't the party animal he'd been before, when a catchy tune came on, he pulled me into the living room to dance!'




'After such a relaxing day with friends, we settled back into toddler skilling time with Joshua. Your father focusing on Joshua's talking skills first.'




'Followed by teaching him to walk.'




'While I ended up with the messier task of potty training!'




'Your brothers loved playing together at their blocks table, too. Just look at Jake's face in this photo! He's super excited about something, though I forget what it was, it's been such a long time.'




'But he loved singing to his doll, just like your Myrabella!'




Once we had gone through all of the photos, we found a second page to the letter, and avidly started reading again.

And though we enjoyed your letter and all of the photos, we are hoping you will be up for a more personal connection, so with that hope in mind, we extend an invitation for you to visit us here in Monte Vista!

Of course, travelling with two toddlers wouldn't be easy, as we know from our experience of relocating to Monte Vista when Jake was a toddler and Joshua was an infant, so maybe after the twins child birthdays?

The twins being children would give us a two-fold benefit, less travel strain on you, as well as them being old enough to remember meeting us and their uncles!

Please give it some thought and know that we will understand if you choose to keep our relationship on a correspondence level, at least for now.

These things can take time, but know that a piece of our hearts has been restored with you coming back into our lives! All of you!

Love, with hugs, and extra snuggles for Mia and Myrabella,

Mom and Dad
(I hope that isn't being too forward after all this time? If so, please forgive us, but we've never ceased thinking of ourselves as your parents, or of you as our oldest child, our daughter.)

Marley solemnly closed the letter and we gathered up the twins for the stroll we'd promised them after their naps.

But when Marley paused before placing Mia in her stroller, I knew what was coming before the words were even out of her mouth.

With a thoughtful look and her lips pursed she asked, "Could we Diwan!?! Could we visit them in Monte Vista after the girl's birthdays!?!"

I reminded her gently, "The new baby will be here shortly after that, so maybe not right after."

Marley's face fell a bit and I couldn't bear to hurt her, so I added, "But let's starting planning a trip right after the new little one becomes a toddler! I think the two of us can handle one toddler, and the girls will be big enough to help out, at least to tend to themselves."

"Oh Diwan, that sounds perfect! I'll write back explaining the delay, and let them know we're planning a visit!"




I've promised Marley a visit to Monte Vista once our new baby becomes a toddler!

So we've got lots to do to make sure the farm is ready for such a trip, getting old plants stripped out, and new beds filled with fresh cuttings, or new seeds, and me fishing and catching what I can to either stock the pond or sell.

I'm sure Marley will want to bring bottles of nectar along, to share her private stock with her parents, or maybe even make up some special blends for them, since her father's such a foodie.

But before that happens, we've got birthdays to celebrate and two more births coming up in the family, Karina and Ben's fourth child and our third!

Boys? Girls? I'll let you know for sure in Journal Entry 119.
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

Marley didn't waste any time composing a return letter to her parents.

And she gave me a copy, along with copies of the photos she'd included to document in my journal.

Dear Mom and Dad,

Oh, it's such a thrill to get to use those titles!

And even more of one to find out I have two younger brothers, and to see their toddler years, to be part of their growing up even after all this time.

The connection to family that gives me is a joy beyond measure, and to see my hair color comes from you Mother, and is shared by Jake, is something that brings me more happiness than I ever thought possible.

It may seem like such a little thing, but it made me stand out and feel 'outside' looking in even when I was a part of very loving and caring foster families.

And to know that my Father and Joshua have red hair, like our twin daughters, makes the connection even stronger!

I was overjoyed at the invitation to visit you in Monte Vista, though, unfortunately, we won't be able to accept it.

Well, not until our new little one arrives and is old enough to travel with us!

Yes, Diwan and I are adding to our family, and both of us are hoping for a boy this time, though Diwan says he'll be happy either way.

So though our plans to visit won't be right after the twins' child birthdays, we are planning to visit after the little one becomes a toddler.

I'm including more photos of me, Diwan, and the twins, and hope your return letter, includes more photos of both you and dad, and my brothers.

Love and hugs all around,

Marley

'We had so much fun at the Spring Festival that we returned another day and Diwan and I danced and enjoyed each others company.'




'The girls played with their dolls nearby again, with both of them in good moods and treating them with love and snuggles.'




'Diwan is so tied to the farm that when he gently patted my tummy to feel the nooboo kicking, he said it was just like the garden, planting seeds and watching them grow, and the fruits were labors of love, especially when it meant a child, our child! He doesn't even realize that, when he says things like that, he's more of a poet than a farmer or a fisherman and it makes me love him even more!'

I blushed a bit when I saw what Marley had written for this photo and could even feel my cheeks turning red as I know I'm not a poet, but the warm glow it brought to my heart at reading her words of love, was worth a bit of embarrassment.

Which just goes to show how much I've matured since becoming a young adult, as right after my birthday I was much too proud to even acknowledge my emotions.

Marriage and fatherhood are great equalizers, reconciling so many foolish notions I had as a young man, and making me realize just how much more I need to learn about life!




Marley included more photos of my focus on fatherhood.

'Diwan chatting away to our new little one.'




'Diwan picked Myrabella up after our day out. She was so sleepy she didn't even protest just snuggled closer into his shoulder.'




'I carried Mia, who wasn't quite as sleepy, and the new little one got acquainted by kicking against the small pressure of Mia's leg! I explained that was her baby brother or sister saying, "hi," and then was a bit at a loss when Mia asked, "Baby inside Mama's tummy!?!"

'Diwan laughed at my discomfiture, but sobered quickly when Mia innocently looked at him and asked, "How daddy?" Thankfully, a fish jumped high out of the pond and it's splashes distracted her from pursuing her inquiry!'




This photo was in the next day's paper and was captioned, 'Local family enjoys the Spring Festival with their youngsters. Plan a visit and make precious memories of your own!"




'Diwan made sure to get me off my feet when we got home, and though I protested a bit about that, when I relaxed it one of the rockers in our nursery, it felt like heaven! Diwan laughed and took this photo showing just how surprised I was when the relief of getting off my feet sunk in!''





It wasn't long before Marley received a return letter, again filled with photos.

Dearest Marely, Diwan, Mia, and Myrabella,

Congratulations to all on the expected new addition to your family!

What a wonderful reason for the delay of your visit!

We couldn't be happier than to be expecting our third grandchild and to know you are indeed going to accept our invitation, when it becomes feasible!

The photos of your springtime excursion where welcome, seeing our two delightful granddaughters again, and especially seeing the love all of you share.

How very true the saying, "Out of the mouths of babes!"

Reading the captions to your photos, your Father chuckled quite a bit, and mentioned Jake's rather vocal inquiries when I was expecting Joshua, so we understand how you both feel being put on the spot like that, especially in public!

Since our first letter included photos of your brother's younger years, I'll move forward and cover the beginning of their childhoods in this missive.

Love and hugs for all of you,

Mom and Dad

P.S. Jake and Joshua send their love and hugs too, we've spoken of you since they were both little so they are most anxious to meet their older sister, now that our connection has been re-established.

'I'm fascinated by chemistry, so I've begun trying my hand at discovering potions. I've had quite a few successes which is encouraging, and also increases my skill in logic, a bonus that has me even closer to my lifetime desire of maxing both handiness and logic. I maxed handiness before we moved to Monte Vista, as our homes in Sunset Valley and Hidden Springs, didn't have reliable plumbing, so I'm happily able to focus on logic now.'




'Then it was time for Jake's birthday and he excitedly kept asking, "Blow out c'nles NOW mama!?!"




'So we both bent to the task, while your father twirled a noise maker, and made our small celebration into a party.'




'Jake said, "Don't look Mommy!" so I dutifully turned away so he could surprise me with his new grown up self. Though I couldn't resist a peek to see him as a toddler for the last time.'




'When he allowed me to look, I had to smile as he'd decided to show off for me and preside over the royal court, with a crown, cape, and scepter!'

"Well to what do we owe this honor, sire?" I asked, dropping into a respectful curtsey, and Jake had me hiding an even bigger smile when he seriously replied, "Today is my coronation day, royal subjects! From this day forward, I shall rule this domain!"

A bit of your father's old habits surfaced as he said, "I doubt Joshua will allow that!"

"Silence subjects! Please do not speak until you are spoken to."

With a smirk, Jared added, "Or that, as I hear him fussing even now!"




'I tool pity on Jake, and had Joshua pose for me to paint his toddler portrait, as I had done the same for his older brother.'




'When it was completed, I lovingly placed it in Joshua's room. I don't consider myself a master painter, but I do enjoy dabbling and painting portraits of my family.'

"Oh, Diwan!" Marley exclaimed, "She downplays her talent ever so much. I think she does an amazing job at capturing their likenesses. I can't wait to see all of them in person!"




'Later that evening, dressed in his new wardrobe, Jake happily clapped as his father presented him with his favorite meal, Vegetarian Chili.'

"Thanks dad, what a great birthday present!"




'One of Jake's other birthday gifts was a costume chest and after breakfast he took a moment to dress up and play pretend.'




'But his first day of school was exhausting and, when he came home, he promptly sat in the rocker in the basement and fell asleep!'

"Oh, Diwan, just look at him! He's so precious!"

"Enjoy the photo Marley, but please, as the youngest child with two older sisters, when you meet him, don't call him precious!  Besides he'll be an older teen when you meet him, and, trust me, he won't appreciate it if you bring it up!"

"Oh, I'm sure you're right Diwan! I may not have been related to the boys I fostered with, but I can just see their faces now if I'd called anyone of them a girly name like precious!"




'After his nap, I helped him with his first homework. It was a bit of a struggle for both of us, but soon we found an easy comradery that brought us even closer as mother and son.'




'A couple of days later, it was Joshua's birthday!'




'He joined Jake in childhood and couldn't wait to try on his new swimsuit!




'Then my two grade school sons spent the rest of the afternoon playing in the pool and enjoying each other's company. Hold your breathe contests became the norm, so I tried not to freak out if I looked out and didn't see either one of your brothers! But this set the tone for the rest of their childhoods and you very rarely saw one without the other. It was nice seeing them get along so well.'




'Playing tag or having water balloon fights in the yard.'




'Or playing in the tree house that was a gift from your father for both boys, something he'd always wanted but never had a as boy! Each one of your brothers solemnly took his turn, 'on watch'. First Jake.'




'Then Joshua. I don't think I've ever seen either of them sit so still or look so serious.'




"Oh Diwan, what a marvelous letter and peek into my brothers young lives! I do hope our girls will stay close and play together just like they did. Oh, it feels so nice to know that our daughters and this little one, will grow up together, have siblings to play with, fight with, do everything with!"

I couldn't help laughing at Marley's words, and said, "You really want our kids to fight with each other!?!"

"Of course! Being a foster kid, I heard horrible stories of others not feeling like they could 'fight back', or stick up for themselves, afraid that if they did, they would get in trouble and be sent back to a group home, or worse! I was one of the lucky ones and got along well both with my foster families and any group homes I was part of, but other kids weren't so lucky. But fighting and being sorry, learning to get along, loving each other, that's all part of growing up in a real family, knowing that you won't be sent away even if you do something not so nice!"

Marley's words struck me so forcefully, the idea that there are kids out there that grow up like that, feeling cared for, maybe loved, sometimes, but always on the outside looking in, fearful of being 'sent back' for anything they did that their foster family didn't approve of!

I suddenly remembered the official looking letter that had instructed Marley Smith Frio to get in touch with that group of lawyers when she came of age, and I decided we'd better, just in case there was something in Marley's past that could affect our lives or that of our children!

I didn't express my misgivings to Marley, not wanting to upset her, especially in her present condition, just mentioned the letter, and we agreed to look it over and get in touch with those lawyers soon.

I hope doing so doesn't open up a can of worms that were better off left where they were!

Once we look into it, I'll note whatever we find out in another entry, be it good or bad news.

With the twins child birthdays coming up and the birth of our child following shortly after that, it may be awhile, as those events will definitely take precedence!

Catch y'all later in Journal Entry 120: A New Baby and Birthdays
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

Over the next few days I brushed up on my fishing books, learning the bait for even more types of fish.




And after nightfall, Dad and I drove off to the cemetery to catch some special fish.

First we focused on vampire fish, with dad catching so many we can now stock some in our own pond.




Then, after midnight, an even more elusive fish showed up, deathfish!

Dad and I separated to cover the small pond and were rewarded with three deathfish each.

After which the those fish went into hiding again and our catch returned to mostly vampire fish.

But we did manage to get photos of each other with truly amazing specimens.




In fact, on our second late night excursion, I even managed to catch a perfect one!




With that success, we hung around 'til daylight and almost missed a very important event!




We'd calculated that our expectant child would arrive the day after the twins' birthday, which were scheduled for later today.

But little ones arrive on their own schedule and Mom discovered that Marley had gone into labor while doing some calisthenics to the radio in the living room!

After panicking, Mom called us and told us to get home ASAP!




Of course, even knowing what was going on, we still both went into a panic too.

First dad, when he saw Marley for himself.

And Dad was so freaked out he didn't even realize that he was blocking Kimo's way to his favorite chew toy, which had him barking louder and louder, adding to the confusion!




Once dad stopped going crazy, he helped Kimo out by placing the toy on the front porch.

Then it was my turn to wave my arms, scream, and make a complete fool of myself!




But when Marley was holding our new child in her arms, my panic turned to pleasure as yet another Swanson child had inherited the Dean penchant for fire!

A son we named Scott!




Marley, an old pro at motherhood after all her experience with the twins, played with him, fed him a bottle, and snuggled him to soothe his nooboo cries.

I headed for the kitchen for the next big events.




With Scott showing up a bit earlier than expected, we decided to celebrate the twins birthdays while he was napping.

So once Marley had Scott settled in a crib in the nursery, she picked up Mia and joined the rest of us.

I'd though Marley would have taken longer getting Scott settled, but I was just coming in from the back porch when she helped Mia blow out her candles.

Dad was already energetically blowing a party horn, so at least he'd been prepared.




Marley and I stepped out of the way to get a clear photo of Mia's sparkly transformation.

But she wasn't alone as Mom and Dad were nearby as well as Kimo and our new maid, who decided to help us celebrate.




And Mia becomes a child in mismatched sleepwear as we forgot to dress her in an everyday outfit.

Marley was mortified, as it just wasn't proper, but nothing we could do to fix it now.

Besides no one else seemed to care in the least, Dad blew a party horn, Mom clapped and cheered, and even the maid twirled a noise maker.

Surrounded by all of us, Mia adds family-oriented to her loves the outdoors and loves the cold traits!




Then Mia and I grabbed pieces of cake and ate them down in the nectary.




Marley decided she needed some sustenance as well, before the next birthday celebration, and brought her cake down too.

Mia and I had finished and already washed our plates, so she ate hers alone, enjoying the brief moment of solitude.




Mia showered and showed off her everyday outfit.

It wasn't very impressive, not really all that much better than her sleepwear, especially since her favorite color is grey.

So we promised her some new clothes after Myrabella's birthday celebration.




With that in mind, we hurried back to the house, and Marley made sure that both she and Myrabella were properly dressed this time!

As I looked through the camera to focus this shot, Marley's beauty took my breath away!

Her outfit, her distinctive hair color, and flawless complexion coupled with that dazzling smile all had me stunned with the force of my love for her!

And her kind, loving nature only added to it, making me realize just how fortunate I was that she had become part of my life!




But my thoughts were brought back to the moment at hand when Mom blew a party horn, quite loudly.

And I smiled as Myrabella closed her eyes, made her wish, and with Marley's help, blew out her own candles!

A pang of unexpected sadness hit me at the though of losing both my sweet toddler daughters to childhood.

But unless you live in Never, Never Land, you can't stop the inevitable, and your children must grow up!



 
Marley made sure the rest of us were in Myrabella's transformation photo, and I joined Dad in twirling a noise maker.

Mom clapped and cheered again, while Mia watched from across the room as her twin danced in her own birthday sparkles.




I was clapping like a loon and Dad was cheering in the same way, but being behind Myrabella we didn't get to see what Marely saw first.

Instead of crossed-eyes, which is typical for birthday photos, a close-up of Myrabella shows she's already grown up into a beauty with her long red hair and deep green eyes!

On top of that, our easily impressed, friendly, daughter becomes a genius, fulfilling the wishes that Marley and I both had for her.




Myrabella's first act as a child is to head for the children's corner, but instead of playing with toys, she listens to the music box, her face filled with rapture at the song.




Mia eagerly chats with me about the wonders of being outdoors, and with that topic uppermost in her mind, pops a wish to go fishing!

Now that's something I can understand, and my heart swells with even more love for a daughter that's already captured my heart.




But before that can happen, Marley insists on proper wardrobes.

So the girls go try on outfits in their favorite colors and each show off their new look.

Mia donning her everyday shorts and top in white and grey, and quickly heading outside to try her hand at fishing.




Myrabella choosing outfits in lilac and white, and being sleepy, showing off her pj's.




Then Marley surprises the girls with their redecorated room, properly done in lilac and grey, just in time for their first night as children sleeping in big girl beds.

The highlights being bedding in each girl's favorite color as well as amazing posters* that add a touch of sophistication.




Marley and I have added a son, Scott, to our family!

And our twin daughters, Mia and Myrabella, had their child birthdays, adding to their personalities.

Now they'll be starting school and making friends.

Even though the girls are older now and can do a lot for themselves, we'll still need to help them with homework, and encourage them to learn new skills.

And before we know it, it will be Scott's toddler birthday and time for him to learn his toddler skills.

But we've also got that trip to Monte Vista I promised Marley, and I'm sure she's going to want to do that straightaway.

Meeting her parents and her younger brothers is pretty much all she can talk about now that Scott's been born!

I'll write the important parts down, of course, in Journal Entry 121.
Coming soon.
_________________________________________________________________________________
*Author's note: Many thanks to MrsFlynn for not only providing me with the file for the poster set, but also including so many of her amazing posters to use with the frames.

[deedee_828]

Marley wrote back right after Scott's birth and the twins child birthdays, sharing even more photos.

Dear Mom, Dad, Jake, and Joshua

Greetings from Appaloosa Plains, and one more family member, our son, Scott!

Instead of showing up after the girls' birthdays, he was a bit impatient and showed up prior.

Diwan and I are thrilled to add a son to our family

We'd though of using Leo after Diwan's dad, Leonard, but he insisted that Scott would be the perfect name for our son, to honor you Mom, by using the last name you took for yourself after leaving Moonlight Falls.

Diwan already bears one of his names, and his eldest daughter Kindle the other, while Karina is named after his mother, Karie, and has her own daughter named Karie now, so he feels that his family is already well represented within the Swanson family.

I've always respected and loved my in-laws, especially when they were the only parents I could call my own, but his gesture touched my heart even more and I wanted to share that with you, so you could see just how much they think of my feelings and love me as their own!

After Scott was born, we celebrated the twins' child birthdays, and couldn't be any prouder of the traits they chose, Mia now being family-oriented, and Myrabella a genius.

I'm enclosing current photos of Scott and of the girls first day of school, and a few other firsts.

And though I would love to write a much longer letter, Diwan insists that I nap when Scott naps, to keep my energy up, stay strong and healthy, and avoid the 'baby blues' that some mother's experience after the birth of a child.

I'd like to protest, but how can I justify that when he's doing his best to properly take care of me and put all his baby knowledge into practice!?!

Love, hugs and kisses, from all of us here in Appaloosa Plains
P.S. It won't be much longer now before Scott's toddler birthday and we'll get to share hugs in person! I can barely stand the wait!

'Mother Rielle surreptitiously checked on the girls their first night sleeping in their beds upstairs.

Under the guise of checking out the beautiful posters I'd bought for the girls' birthdays, of course.

But since she didn't bother to turn on a light, it was pretty easy to know what she was really up to!'




'Early the next morning, Diwan did the honors for the first bottle of the day, letting me sleep in.'




'Then Diwan got in some snuggles, enjoying getting to know our son!'




'Myrabella was up soon after that making muffins with the toy oven!

Her genius trait keeps her focused on every task she does.'




'And she does them well, even as a beginner, as the muffins she made were of nice quality.

She even made sure she had time to eat one before school.'




'Both girls were eager for their first day of school, until they got on the bus and were hit with first day jitters!

I reassured them that being nervous the first day was quite normal but once they met their teacher and classmates and settled into their classroom, they'd feel much better.

With their expressions not changing much, I don't think they believed me!'




'While the girls were at school and I cared for Scott, Diwan supervised the new gardening crew he'd just hired!

Prior to this summer, the Swanson's had done all their gardening tasks themselves, and though Diwan and Leonard will still be doing all the harvesting, the three-man crew that arrived sharply at 8 am, will weed, water, and fertilize all the plants that need such care.

Once Diwan was sure that they all knew what they were doing, he worked in the main garden with one of the crew.'




'While the other two gardeners worked in the nectary garden.

I found out that being a fairy gives them a special rapport with plants, as well as a very long life to put all that gardening skill to use.

So you not only get the benefit of their talent in the garden, but the bonus of beautiful wings to watch while they work!'




'Even with all the help, Diwan overdid it and ended up with a painful sunburn, the first one he's ever had!

But even with his skin red and painful, he was still proud of all the work that was done.'




'When the girls got home that afternoon, my prediction had proved correct, and they were both all smiles and eager to get homework done!

They didn't even ask for help, though I stayed close-by, just in case.'




'After homework, they both spend time singing and cuddling their dolls, so not too grown-up yet after all!'




And though it seemed hardly any time at all, Marley received a return letter, fat with the promise of more photos.

Dear Marley and family,

Congratulations on your new family member and welcome to sweet little Scott, we can barely wait to meet all of you and look forward to your visit with joy!

It is wonderful to know that you are a much loved member of the Swanson family, Marley, and having Diwan's father insist on you using the last name I took for your son's name, speaks beyond any words can of the close-knit type of family they are.

I'll continue where I left off in sharing my walk down memory lane of your brothers' childhoods.

The weekend Joshua became a child, Jake invited all of his school chums over for a slumber party.

Joshua was eager to join in and meet them as he doesn't attend school until Monday.

Check out all of the photos we have of this rambunctious bunch!

'They played tag first thing, until rain forced them inside.'




'Then Joshua presided royally over the table as the youngsters grabbed hot dogs.'




'I'd thought that they'd take advantage of the pretty much empty basement to bed down for the night.

Which would have required me to stop my chemistry experiment, but time passed, and with my experiment a success, I headed upstairs to tell them it was time for bed.'




'To my surprise, they'd all bedded down in the entry and kitchen, with all the lights still blazing!'




'Except for one little girl with unique skin and hair, that I found sitting in Jake's room in the dark.

Turns out she is Dulcinea Riverhawk's Plantsim child, and her name is Thistle!

Just seeing her and hearing her story had my green thumb itching to plant something and see if I could grow a plant baby of my own!'




'But it was getting late, so I told her she should grab her sleeping bag and join the other children.

She found a spot next to the children in the main entry, and once she was snuggled inside her warm cocoon, I wished her 'sweet dreams' and turned off the light.

And was gratified to hear her whisper, "G'night Mrs. Frio, and thanks for inviting me. I had a really nice time!"

I couldn't help but feel a rush of affection for such a polite, well-mannered child, and I wondered if it was something she'd developed, her own personality, or something inherit in Plantsims.

If I ever get the opportunity, I'm definitely making the most of it, so I can find out!'




'I even caught Joshua wolfing down a hot dog in the middle of the night, when I woke up and checked on all the kids!

Joshua explained that he woke up starving and realized that he'd been so busy presiding over the royal court he never ate dinner!

I told him not to wake the other kids and get back to bed as soon as he finished eating.'




'Earlier than I expected the next morning, the kids were up, rolling up sleeping bags and telling Jake what a fun time they'd had at his party.

Many of them thanking me as well, like Thistle had done.'




'Later that day, the boys chatted together as they played at their blocks table.

With Joshua mentioning he couldn't wait to see some of their new friends in school on Monday.'




'And Sunday, we had a few friends over for a pool party!'




'But with the busy weekend, a slumber party Saturday night, followed by a pool party on Sunday, we forgot something rather important.

Your father's birthday!

He'd forgotten all about it too, until he was startled out of a deep sleep and transformed into an adult right by the bed!'




'But I wasn't about to let such a milestone go by without some special gifts.

And when I had everything in place, I showed them off!

Your father didn't waste a moment to put his gifts to use.

First he used the wood fire oven and filled the house with the wonderful bouquet of country bread!'




'Then he made some Teppanyaki Salmon and Chicken Fried Rice on his new grill!'




'And followed both of those up by making a pan of delicious apple cobbler in his new bakery station.'





Again a second page of the letter followed the photos.

If we'd been thinking ahead, Jared would have made Jake a homemade birthday cake, as Jake's teen birthday was coming up soon!

But I'll share the boy's teen birthdays and some of those happenings in my next letter.

Oh, just saying those words, 'in my next letter' gives me goosebumps!

I've dreamt for so long of the time when we would be able to share our life with you, to have you back in ours, and I wake up each morning, my heart bursting with joy and happiness, when I remember you are no longer lost to us, but found!

I hurry to get ready for a new day and re-read your letters and go slowly through all the photos you've sent, one by one.

Then I grab my box of photos and compose another letter to you.

I can barely wait to feast my eyes upon you, to have you in my arms again, to meet our grandchildren and be re-united with you, daughter, after all this time!

Love, and many, many hugs,

Mom and Dad
Jake and Joshua

Marley was so moved by this ending to the letter, that she wiped tears away.

And I knew that I'd better have those tickets to Monte Vista in my pocket when Scott became a toddler, as there was no way I was keeping Marley from this reunion with her family a second longer than that!

I'd been a bit upset when I'd first learned that Myra had given Marley up, but now, having our own children, I realize it must have been the hardest thing she'd ever done.

And bringing them together again, meant more to me than I ever thought possible.

Of course, I'll be writing all the details down in Journal Entry 122: Unexpected Letter

[deedee_828]

Dear Marley and family,

I know I haven't received another letter from you yet, but I wanted to follow up my last one with some details and photos of your brothers/uncles  as they moved into their teen years.

Jake's birthday followed quickly after your father's but what Jared got him for his birthday sure was a surprise.

For Jared too as it showed up a little early while Jake was still a child.

But it turned out that it was usable for children so Jake made the most of it.

'I don't know who was more surprised that day in the backyard, Jake or the chickens!

That's right, your father got Jake a coop full of chickens! Said it would help him to be responsible having to take care of them and the bonus would be fresh eggs!

Jake didn't seemed fazed by this unusual gift at all, just nonchalantly grabbed a bag of feed and filled up the trough, like he'd done it a million times, when he'd never even seen a chicken before in his life!'




Then he slowly wandered around the coop, checking it out, and discovered, they'd already laid eggs, four of them! He was proud as punch as he scooped them up, chicken feathers flying!'




'With his first eggs gathered, he came inside to find we had his birthday cake all set up!

Joshua even stopped eating his wood fire pepperoni pizza to join in the celebration!'




'And soon Jake stood before us as a teen! Looking quite handsome in a suit, though it's probably a bit warm for the sweater and jacket here in MV.

But instead of focusing on his cake, Jake was looking intently across the room.'




'I twirled around but didn't see anything, though Jake insisted that his childhood friend was standing right next to us, and took this photo to prove it!

Jared's face shows his own surprise as he focuses intently on the spot before him, though he swears he only felt a presence, and didn't see this doll-shaped form!'




'The next morning, Jake spent an unusual amount of time in the bathroom, and came out looking so nice I just had to take a photo for our family photo album.

Jake fussed a bit, but I knew he was proud of his new look.'




'Then, with both boys still protesting, I took a photo of Jake's first day of high school and Joshua's last day of grade school.

The looks on both their faces told me just how embarrassed they both were having me on the bus gushing and fussing over them!

But no matter, 'cause that's a mother's job!'




'With the boys at school, your father and I took advantage of the 'alone' time and enjoyed some time together.

We probably should have at least changed out of our sleepwear for the photo, but we didn't think of it at the time as we were as giddy as teenagers alone in the house without parental supervision!'




'Then I headed to the lower side of town, where the Riverhawk's lived and had a wonderous garden!'




'I discussed gardening techniques with Dulcinea and she told me to feel free to harvest anything that was ripe and ready!'




'I started with the most unusual tree I had ever seen, until I realized, to my horror, that it was a money bag tree, and I was actually harvesting bags of simoleans, stealing them from my new friends!

I stuck to harvesting regular plants after that, as I wanted to start my own garden, and most of Dulcinea's plants were perfect quality!'




'After school that afternoon, Jake showed up at the Riverhawk house as Thistle had invited him over to work on homework. I'm not sure who was more surprised to see the other, him or me!

I assured him I was only there to indulge in harvesting the bounty of the Riverhawk gardens, but his nervous inquiry had me wondering what the big deal was.'




'But I didn't need to wonder long as, coming in for a break, I spotted him chatting with Thistle, who was no longer a child, but a lovely teenage girl!

One who seemed just as interested in Jake as he was interested in her!'




'Until they learned they had an incompatible trait!'




'But they didn't let that stop their friendship and I hung around long enough to find out she accepted his invitation to prom! Though she was very clear that they would dance at arms length and he better not TRY anything!

I rushed outside to the garden to hide my smirk, happy to know that Thistle was a girl that would stand up for herself!'




'Joshua made a new friend that day too, a young Gilscarbo boy.'




'Though he was more concerned with presiding over the royal court than homework or friendship.'




"And he continued the game even after he got home!'




'Only stopping to join Jake in watching their favorite show before bed.

I'm so glad that your brothers have stayed close, even though Jake's already a teen.'




'But it wasn't long before Joshua was going to join Jake in high school. And this time your father put his bakery station to good use and made Joshua a freshly baked birthday cake.'




'Joshua couldn't keep the excitement out of is voice as he exclaimed, "Chocolate frosting! Yum!"

Jared shouted, "There'll be lots more goodies in this house from now on, for birthdays and holidays, too!"




'And with his candles blown out and his birthday sparkles faded away, Joshua joined the ranks of teenagers in town, but in the worst 'pajamas' for summer, or any other season really, I have ever seen!'




'So my gifts consisted of new clothes, better fitted to our warm climate.

Joshua was a bit perturbed that all his swimming as a child did nothing for his teen build, so I made sure to add swimwear in his favorite color, Sea Foam, to help him get back in shape.'




But Jared made Joshua's day by taking him out for his first driving lesson!

Jake was a bit put out that he had to go to school while Joshua got the privilege of learning to drive, but since Joshua actually popped the wish first, your father felt it was only fair to let him go first.'




'They practiced driving until Jared had to go to work, and then Joshua stopped by the gym and hopped on a treadmill.'




I'll tell you all about his reasons for doing so in my next letter, which I'll post as soon as I can.

I'm so excited about catching you up on all of our missed years, Marley!

And even more excited to meet you, your husband, our beautiful granddaughters, and our new grandson, Scott!

Love and hugs,

Mom

After finishing, Marley had tears in her eyes again, but I knew they were tears of joy, so I just hugged her and let her cry.

Then we took care of Scott, helped the girls with homework, and settled into our new routine.

And it wasn't long before we received another letter from Monte Vista.

I'll tell you all about it in Journal Entry 123: More MV Letters--part 1

[deedee_828]

Dear Marley and family,

This missive will be mostly photos, to share the beginning of your brothers teen years.

They started off with Joshua wanting to impress a friend of his, Rosalie Ferrari, which is why he was so keen on slimming down a bit, but I'll let the photos tell the story.

'He didn't get to surprise her with a more athletic build as moments after he arrived at the gym, Rosalie showed up and began chatting with him! She's really into athletics, and her trim figure shows it. And she has a unique sense of style too, pairing black and white heels with a white top, black vest, and beige shorts. With her lovely tanned skin and glossy, dark hair, I can see why Joshua is smitten with her!'




'Joshua didn't bother to hide his excitement, something he gets from me, when Rosalie told him her sign, which is compatible with his.'




'And one thing led to another and Joshua had his first kiss! Of course, he didn't tell me about that part, I just happened to overhear him when he was talking to Jake.'




'And Joshua asked Rosalie to prom too! So now the boys have plans to rent a limo and pick up the girls in style!'




'And it was that very same night that your father became a Five-Star Chef, completing his lifetime wish!'




'Then I reached the highest level in Logic, completed my own lifetime wish, and determined I'd discover all the potions! And why not, I already knew eight of them, so not a difficult task.'




'Having a date with Rosalie for prom, Joshua was more determined than ever to turn his 'baby fat' into muscles, so he continued his workout at home.'




'And all his hard work paid off as he was quite trimmed down when he played with our new baby chicks!'




'We celebrated all our accomplishments by throwing a costume party and invited a mixed crowd, Jared's co-workers, a few of my friends, and teen friends of your brothers as well.

'Joshua met Rosalie at the door and was really impressed with her cat costume. She did look absolutely adorable, but I think her black and white heels must be a favorite as she wore those too.'




'Though Zelda Jane went a little beyond her costume and hypnotized your father with her vampiric powers!

Joshua was nearby chatting with a friend and got to witness the whole event and swears it wasn't your father's fault when he started flirting with Zelda Jane, though Joshua was still a bit miffed at your father's actions!'




'But an unexpected guest, a real ghost, Valentine Monty, had both Zelda Jane and Jared re-thinking those kinds of shenanigans! They were too busy warding of Mr. Monty who was totally focused on Zelda Jane!

I must confess, I was thrilled at Mr. Monty's appearance and felt that Zelda Jane deserved whatever she got after pulling a stunt like that on a married man, and her being engaged and a friend of the family.'




'Moving on to happier events--- Jake played chess with Thistle, who also came dressed as a hot dog, though with her green skin, not a very appetizing one.'




'But her unappetizing look didn't stop Jake one bit, as being alone, as they thought, they gave up on chess to pursue more romantic activities.'




'And, to my relief, discovered that they were both good Sims! So with no worries on that score, I hurried back upstairs before they saw me.'




'They came upstairs soon after and were inseparable the rest of the night, especially after Jake asked Thistle to be his steady girl!

Thistle didn't take his offer lightly though, she said she'd think about it and give him her answer at prom.'




'Just so you know, Jared apologized to me as soon as Zelda Jane's spell wore off, and was so remorseful, I just had to forgive him, though I did let him squirm a bit before letting him off the hook! Just look at us in our matching hot dog costumes with his sorrowful face! Who could resist it? Certainly not me, as I'm more in love with him than ever.'




'The next morning I weeded a bit in the garden, as with a drop in temperature a frost covered the ground and I knew most of the plants would soon be dormant.'




'Then the peeping of the new chicks became an irresistible call, and I went over to check them out, even picking one up to feel it's downy softness and the thrum of it's heartbeat.'




'A more adult squawking had me checking for eggs and I was rewarded with finding a special one that looked more like a jewel than an egg!'




'It was so pretty I placed it on the computer desk to keep it as a special prize.'




'Then Thistle, who'd stayed overnight, asked one of our chickens a question. Apparently the chicken took offense at it.'




'Because the next thing we knew, he attacked Thistle with a vengeance! All we could see was dust and bits of feathers flying around! And the language! Golly, I can't put that in print, but my ears were singed!'




'Thistle came off victorious and proclaimed that she had bested Charles the Evil chicken!

Neither Jared or either of your brothers wanted to test that, so the name stands to this day.

I've always wondered why Charles was the name of a chicken and not a rooster, but I wasn't brave enough to ask!'




I'll close here my dear daughter, but only because I've reached the weight limit for out of town mail!

I've much more to tell you and many more photos to share, so I'll continue in another letter very soon.

Love, Mom
P.S. Give the twins and Scott extra hugs and snuggles from me!

Marley couldn't hide her smile as she shared all the photos with me, especially the ones of her brothers with their sweethearts.

Which were only topped by the extraordinary events surrounding the chicken coop, first the hatching of sweet chicks, then Myra finding a jewel-like egg, then Thistle's scrappy fight with a chicken!

Just thinking about it made me realize that our farm is lacking in fresh eggs and the sound of happy chickens clucking around, something to definitely bring up when we discuss our next farm expansion!

But only a day or so passed and we received a follow up letter, with Myra continuing her story of Marley's brothers teen years.

I'll copy it all down in Journal Entry 123: More MV Letters--part 2