Sugah's Duggar Challenge ... "The Kokopellis"

Meet Ala and Lono Kokopelli of 2 Kokopelli Lane @ Moon Islands.
Both are Cancers & both are Family Sims. They currently have double chem, but that should improve when Lono moves up the career ladder.

A few fun facts, as to why I chose their names:

Ala, in Igbo mythology is the goddess of fertility and Earth Mother.
In Hawaiian mythology, Lono is a fertility and music god.
Kokopelli is a fertility deity. Like most fertility deities, Kokopelli presides over both childbirth and agriculture.

I moved the Kokopellis on a 3 x 3 lot, built them four bedrooms, two baths, living-dining-kitchen and a laundry room. There's also a driveway for parking, as required, though I doubt I will have them purchase a car.

Ala & Lono



This is the very first thing I saw when they entered the lot. Not a bad start, huh?



They have about $2500 remaining in their bank account and so much more to purchase.
Not sure how that will go or how soon they will start having children, as I've not even added the plumbing to the bathroom, a bed for the Kokopellis, and many other necessities.
Most of the walls and floors are still bare!

Currently, they are living on cereal & lunch meat sandwiches, til they can improve their culinary skills.



I'm definitely gonna need to download some new walls, floors & recolor a few inexpensive objects.
I haven't got many downloads installed in this game, so the pickins are slim!

I hope to play again later tonight, but with our vacation coming up this weekend, I may not get to do too much with the Kokopellis until our return.

Oh Sugah!!!



What am exciting start!!! I'm loving this already!

We'll miss you when you're gone - but you know I wish you the best time while you're away. You and Snacky BOTH deserve it.

Thank you, Hunter. I am looking forward to some time away with Snacky. I'll shoot you an email with the details, before we leave. While gone, I'll have ample time to catch up on my phone calls, btw, as Snacky will be conducting business there the first week. Maybe we can set something up then!

Anyhoo, I didn't have Bay today and accomplished enough this morning, so that I could play the challenge a bit.

Things are going rather well for the Kokopellis, thus far. Both have taken a job, though I am not going to keep Lono in Intelligence. He longs to be a Captain Hero, so when the time is right (after he makes some major moola), I'll let him live his dream.

Here are Mr and Mrs K, now with triple chem (don't ask me why, lol), fine tuning their skills.



Things are coming along swimmingly, as you can see.
However, no babies until they earn a few more bucks and can actually afford a few kiddos!



The Kokopelli's humble abode



This is all I have been able to decorate for now. Several of the rooms are still completely bare, but the ones they are needing, are looking a bit better and are at least functionable.
They currently have just over $1500 in the bank, and continue to work hard for what they need.
I have not used any cheats and hope not to have to, but when the bambini start coming, I may change my tune on that.



That's all I've got for now. Need to get rockin' and rollin' around here, as we have some errands for the trip to run this afternoon. Will try to play again later tonight, if possible.

Cute house, Sugah! You're off to a great start, unlike me. First I forgot to make my sim couple married. Luckily they had triple chemistry and their relationship shot up fast so they were able to tie the knot quickly. Your post reminded me that I forgot to add a driveway to the house. If I can't fit one in, there's not a lot of space for one, I might just start over.

I saw you mentioned a few places that you're going on a trip. Where are you going and when will you get back? I hope you have a great time!

Em -

DO NOT start over if you don't want to!

We're keeping this relatively loosy-goosy! It's for fun for goodness sake!!!

Em, we're headed to the Hawaiian Islands. The company that Snacky spoke at last year, wanted HIM back THIS year and no one else.
Thank you for your well wishes.

We're going to combine business with pleasure and just stay on a few days after his week of meetings. Aloha!

I ALMOST forgot to have Lono and Ala be married. Right before I exited CAS mode, I remembered!
Do you recognize their features, btw? I created both Ala and Lono from Sapphira, the Sim you created for our Bejeweled Sugah's Place update!!! Cool, huh?
I wouldn't worry about a driveway, like Hunter said.
It doesn't seem right to have to start over just to squeeze parking in.
My Sims won't have any vehicles (they rarely do). I will keep their driveway, along with all the required house rooms, but may not utilize 'em quite as I should.
Time will tell...

I forgot to mention earlier that Ala's predestined hobby is Tinkering and Lono's is Film & Lit.
It works out good for Ala, as she has to finish up her career in the Military with 8 Mechanical points, which will raise her Tinkering skills!

I took two more pics before I shut down the game this afternoon.

Here is the mid-section of the Kokopelli abode. I recolored the cheapest counters, fridge and stove for their kitchen. I also recolored a cheap little loveseat and some inexpensive art for their abode.
Everything I've recolored, thus far, is Maxis stuff. I've also done some new walls and carpet as well.



And here's the left side of the house.



I still need to recolor the cheap shower stall and a few other items, so their decor blends a little better.

Em, I look forward to seeing your Duggar Challenge family. Hunter, have you started yet?
I've decided to go with the letter "K" for all the Kokopelli kids, btw.

Happy Simming, my friends!

I LOVE the house Sugah.

The furnishings.......will you be offering them anytime or anywhere????

This is coming along so well. I hope everyone enjoys it - I know I am!

You're going with the letter K - I think I'm going to go with M. I THINK.

I don't think my Sims are going to have cars either - but I added the parking to the lot for some authenticity. It's NOT a biggie. The biggest challenge for me will be NOT using any cheats.

I think my Sims will take up hobbies where they can create and profit from them. Love that about Free Time.

Okay - I'm off.

LOVE this thread Sugah and I'm SO happy you and Snacky are going to get to enjoy Hawaii as a couple.

Have a great time on your trip, Sugah. I wish I was going!

No, I didn't recognize Ala as Sapphira. And her husband is from the same sim? That's neat.

I probably wouldn't start over just for the driveway (which I managed to fit in to my lot anyway, btw), but I was thinking of it anyway. The sims I chose don't really feel right for this challenge and since I started playing they've been acting really wierd. I think they have the jump bug, they've started standing around doing nothing with their plumbbob flashing. I don't know if I'll be able to fix them or if I'll have to make a new couple. Hopefully I can still use the house they're in.

I was thinking about taking advantage of hobbies for some extra income as well as fishing and gardening.

Em - I fully intend on using hobbies for extra income - they'll need it!!!

Sorry about the jumpbug - GOSH I hate when that happens. Since my computer's been fixed - I really cleaned out my files and have had no problems. I was up to over 20,000 downloads again and have managed to get down to about 12,500. Can't help myself.

Thank you for your comments, ladies. I always enjoy reading them.

Em, yes, both Ala and Lono were created from Sapphira. What I might do is take better shots of them, looking right at the camera, and put 'em side by side with a shot of beautiful Sapphira, so we can check out the resemblance. There still is one, I feel.

I'm glad you like the Kokopelli's little house, Hunter. I just recolored some Maxis stuff, so I doubt I'll offer any of it at Sugah's. Now that I can recolor CC, I'm going to focus on that.
If you see anything you like, however, I will be happy to zip it up and send it to you thru email.
No prob! Thank you for your compliments.
I recolored the cheap shower stall, the chess set, toilet and sink, but haven't loaded up my game since.
I'm thinking I'll have to turn in soon, since we need to get up early tomorrow, so I won't get to play again til our return.

You two have jogged my memory. I always forget that we can earn a bit of money thru hobbies.
I need to read more about the different ways to do so and take advantage of that Freetime addition.

Em, I'm sorry about your flashing plumbbob. That'd drive me crazy.
I'd definitely have to start over, but I'm annoy easily.

Thank you for your well wishes regarding our trip to the Islands, my friends. I can't tell you how much Snacky and I are looking forward to being in paradise together.

I look forward to seeing how both of you are doing with your Duggar challenges upon my return.
Happy Simming! Aloha!

Yesterday, I loaded up my game and was able to play for a few hours.
I recolored the cheap toilet, sink & shower, & the chess table (before I left for Hawaii) for their humble abode.
The bathroom is small, but functional. Nothing fancy AT ALL.

.

Game room:



When I last left the Kokopellis, they had $1505 in the bank, several empty, baron rooms, and were just starting out in their jobs.
I played them until they had about $7894 in their account and 17 days left til they were to turn elders...
THEN, had them try for their first child. It took FOUR tries before they got pregnant.





Better get used to it, Ala. You've got 13 more pregnancies to go, Hon!

Welcome to the world, Kaela Kokopelli.



Kaela's first bath:



As a precious toddler:



She's been working on her skills. She can walk, talk, knows nursery rhymes and has a couple of logic, charisma and creativity points (each).

Since the birth of their child, the Kokopellis have bumped up their bank account to over 14,000 Simoleons.
That's not going to last long, as I need to expand the house a bit. Some of the rooms may be too small for a big family.

The Kokopellis take turns missing work, if need be, since no nannies are permitted.
I must admit for ONE HOUR, I had to hire a nanny, as I messed up with their schedules. There was a wee bit of time before Ala was due home, and Lono had already missed a day keeping Kaela.
So I called the nanny for that one hour, then had her leave as soon as Ala walked in the door.
Sorry about that!

Other than that one time, I have not used a single cheat. I'm doing pretty well so far, but I am pacing myself, so there's been no need to use any thus far.
I can't say that'll be the case indefinitely with this challenge, but for now, I've been doing okay.

OH! Em, I wanted to post these two close up pics of Ala and Lono, so you could see if they still bare a strong resemblance to your Sapphira, who they were created from. Can't wait to see what Kaela looks like when she grows up!

Ala


Lono


Sapphira


What'd'ya think?

Already 17 days until elderhood and they're just having their first child? They'd better get moving if they're going to have 14 kids! Thank goodness for the elixir of life and aging off. lol

I can definitely see the resemblance to Sapphira in the eyes and the cheekbones. Thanks for sharing that Sugah. How neat!

I don't consider the nanny for a day cheating. It was "babysitting". At some point the Duggars MUST have used babysitters at least for an hour.

I cracked up when you told Ala to "get used to it" in regards to her giving birth.

Their abode is lovely and charming Sugah. I love your recolors. Now I can't wait to get back into my game.

Em - I hope you join us!

I thought Ala's eyes and cheekbones were a dead giveaway for Sapphira, too, Em. Lono has a funny look on his face in his close up pic, but under normal circumstances, his eyes resemble theirs, too.
I really like Sapphira's looks and am thinking of creating more Sims using her, as well as playing her myself!

Quote :

They'd better get moving if they're going to have 14 kids! Thank goodness for the elixir of life and aging off!

My sentiments exactly, lady! When I saw they only had 17 days left til they became old folks, I thought, "Holy crap! I had better get moving" ... and ...
"Thank the Great Pixeled Kahuna in the Sky there's the Elixer of Life!"

I hope to not use any cheats, so it's going to be a bear having them earn enough aspiration points to keep chugging down the Elixer. I'm probably setting myself up for a big chaotic mess, aren't I?

I'm glad you like the Kokopelli's little abode, Hunter. It needs some expanding, renovating and redecorating, but it'll get there.
And you're right! Hiring a nanny for just one hour til Ala got home is pretty much "babysitting".
I'm down with that method of thinking, m'lady!

I hope you get some time to start your challenge over again, Em. I know how busy your schedule is, but it'd be awesome if you could join us.

I forgot to share this...
Ala is now a Flight Officer in the Military career and Lono is a Rookie Field Agent in Intelligence.
So, they're movin' on up, slowly but surely.
She currently makes more money than he does, but every little bit helps pad the bank account, believe me!

I'd love to join you guys on this challenge, but I have a whole list of sim projects I'm working on now and need to get done first. Once I do and if I can find time, I'd really like to join in. Either on this challenge or maybe I'll try the Liz Taylor one first.

Seeing your version Sapphira in your game, really makes me want to play her in mine, Sugah. She'll be popping up in my Penelope story in the not too distant future. I'm not sure that she's exactly the same as the sim I gave you for your site, because after I saw her in game, I think I went back into bodyshop and edited her again. I can't remember if I have two Sapphiras in that neighborhood now or if the second version is living in another hood. Hmmm....

I know what it's like to have a list as long as your arm of Sim-related projects to tend to, Em.
I understand completely, believe me.

I look forward to seeing what's in store for your Sapphira in Penelope's story soon.
I'm looking forward to the next chapter of that Sims tale PERIOD!!!

IRT -

Okay, I had an opportunity to play my Kokopellis again last night.

Bambino #1, Kaela, has now grown to a teen. She is an A+ student and an absolute doll.
She's very easy to take care of and gives me no problems whatsoever.

I believe she is a very outgoing, active Aries, if I am remembering correctly, and a Knowledge Sim.
Her pre-destined hobby is Fitness.

Kaela, as a child



And as a teen



Welcome to the family, Kasey Kokopelli, Bambino #2.
(Notice Kaela's tiny tushy crack showing, while on the puter. TOO CUTE!)



I love moments like these.



Kasey, as a handsome toddler



And as a child



I can't remember what his sign is ... Cancer? ... but he is very, very shy. He has only one outgoing point and is opposite of his sister in that way. I think his nice points are completely full, if I am remembering correctly.

Big sis went in on her own to tuck her little brother in ... another touching moment



The adult Kokopelli's second aspiration is Knowledge.
Here, Ala is making quick friends with Mariah Tatanka by imparting knowledge.



Currently, Ala is a Sr Officer in the military. Lono is a Field Agent in Intelligence.
They have $26,597 Simoleons in their account, but I'm about to deplete that, cause I've got to restructure their abode to make room for more bambini.

The family are all very close so far. They are pretty easy to care for (at least as it stands now).
I'm really enjoying them.

I have not used ANY cheats to date.
Lono and Ala are living on Elixer of Life, so they can continue to procreate til the cows come home. It's a huge challenge for me to keep those aspiration points coming, so they can earn enough to purchase the stuff!

I intend on playing today, as it's going to be a quiet day here. More to come...

How lucky you are.........you got to play AND you have a beautiful family there.

The tushy crack - cracked me up! I NEVER would have noticed!!!

I think it's sweet that Kaela is such a good and thoughtful child. I have not got back to the Fuggars yet and I fear what nightmares await me. This is so much fun and I'm enjoying your posts a whole bunch.

Their abode is ADORABLE!!!!

I must confess, I am absolutely thrilled to be able to focus so much on this fun challenge, Hunter.
Besides the Valentines ... Maggie and Megan and their lovely daughter, Maura ... I haven't had this much fun playing in awhile!

Things are going smoothly and beautifully now with the Kokopellis, but like you, I worry about what horrors await me in the future when it turns into Bambini Central.
I am trying to pace myself with the kiddos ... never more than one infant/toddler in the fam at a time ... but that makes the challenge greater for me in a different way. Since I am NOT using cheats AT ALL, if the Kokopellis take their time having children, they will need enough aspiration points (constantly) to live on the Elixer of Life. So far, I am managing, but I don't know how well I will continue to do since it takes around 30,000 aspiration points to buy a water cooler full of elixer!!! They have a freakin' family to run, for crying outloud! It's a bear to gain aspiration points AND keep a big family happy, in addition to moving up their career ladders!!!

Anyhoo, here's the latest...

Ala is now at level 8 of the Military career ... a Commander.
Lono is at level 8 of the Intelligence career ... a Double Agent.
They have over $30,000 Simoleons in their bank account AFTER I did a bit of expanding and renovating.

Kokopelli Bambino - Kaela - has NINE outgoing points, is an Aries & a Fitness nut. She's a Knowledge Sim.
I haven't decided on what career path she will take, but I know, in time, it will come to me.

Kokopelli Bambino - Kasey- has FULL neat, FULL nice & only ONE outgoing. He's a shy Cancer & a Tinkerer.
He is also a Knowledge Sim.
BOTH Kokopelli kids are A+ students and very close to eachother and their parents.

Here are a few snapshots of today's gameplay.

Kaela: "PLEASE tell me this creepy guy is NOT talking to me! Maybe if I just ignore him, he'll go away!"



I thought this was a neat capture. I caught Kaela watching Kasey jump on his bed. Kasey has 9 playful points and is always jumping on the bed, playing in the bathtub or pulling a half dozen toys out of his toybox!



Kaela: "Mother, HOW MANY babies did you say you and Daddy are going to have???"



Welcome to the world, Kalani Kokopelli.



Kaela: "Who is this strange man and why is he holding my new baby sister???"



Little Kalani becomes a toddler. Here she is with big sis, Kaela. They are VERY close, as are all the Kokopellis thus far.



Kalani was born with the same hair I put on Kaela. Thought that was rather neat.
What's more is ... Kalani has the SAME EXACT personality points as her big sis.
They are BOTH Aries & are both Fitness Sims, too.

Kasey has morphed into a darling teen. I didn't get a screenshot of him, but will tomorrow.
He's completely different, personality wise, from his sisters, though ALL of the Kokopelli kids are extremely close and quite active.

I hope to load up my game tomorrow afternoon, after a phone date with my best bud in Houston.
Now that Kalani is a toddler, who has gained a few skills, the Kokopellis will be trying for Bambino #4.
Goodness, I have a long way to go, don't I?
Is there enough Elixer of Life in all of SIMdom for this challenge (the way I am currently playing it)???

Stay tuned, folks ...

I played a bit more tonight and wanted to share this screenshot of Kasey, Bambino #2, as a teen.



Stay tuned...

I should have an update to Penelope's Journey soon. I think I have all of the pictures taken now. I just have to do some editing.

Your family is coming along really nicely. I can't believe the oldest two are teens already. Will you try to keep her that age until the 14th child is born or will you let her become an adult before then. I guess it would be a challenge to keep the elixir coming. Luckily they're family sims, so fulfilling their wants should go with raising the family pretty well. I'm impressed with how high your sims get on their career tracks. Mine don't often make it to level 8 or above. That's a cute picture of Kasey as a teen.

I LOVE this update on the Kokopellis Sugah!!!

The children are so lovely - you got lucky - huh? I also really love the house. It's so darling and perfectly appointed.

I'm with Em - HOW in the heck do your Sims promote so fast??? Why do I always get lazy bum Sims that prefer writing in their diary or playing catch then STUDYING! I should be fair - I think the Fuggars are on the right track, but often when I play my Sims are so leisurely.

I totally understand about having one toddler at a time - but I think I may try a set of twins or two for authenticity to the Duggars. I'm sure it will be

I'm hoping I can play soon.......I have to announce the winners of Lady a Day in May who'll be joining the Basic roster and other projects I need to do so..............

Thank you for the feedback, ladies. I always enjoy reading it.

Hunter, I believe the Kokopelli bambini are all attractive because their parents have pretty much the same exact genes as one another, both were born of Em's lovely Sapphira.
My guess is most all of the kids will look similar to one another, which is a good thing, of course.

As far as moving my Sims up the career ladder quickly ...
It's always a focus of mine.
Whenever ANY of my Sims have down time, I make sure they stay ahead of the game, studying-wise.
I keep up on what's going to be needed for the next promotion (eg another body point, 2 friends & a charisma), and have them start working on those skills in advance of actually needing them.
They tend to the business of managing their lives, relationships and household biz first, mind you.
The skill building comes when all the other things in their virtual worlds have been tended to and nurtured.

Em, I'm going to let all the children age naturally.
I am only keeping the parents young (via Elixer), so they can continue to procreate.
I know I'm supposed to have all 14 of their kids living with the Kokopellis at one time, but since I do not have any hacks and am not using any cheats, they are going to have to move out (one at a time) in order to make room for the next child.

I'm hoping to have time to load up my game tonight, as tomorrow is our 4th wedding anniversary, so I doubt I'll be on the puter much, if at all. I'm really enjoying this little challenge and am lovin' the Kokopellis.

Thanks, again, for your comments, ladies. I appreciate 'em mucho!

Just a few more pics, as I got to play the Kokopellis for a couple of hours tonight.

Currently, Ala is an Astronaut & Lono is an Elite Operative. They are both at level 9 of their careers.
Once Ala heads back to work (she's been on maternity leave), she should reach the top of her Military career right away. Lono still needs two friends to reach level 10 of Intelligence. He's doing great skill-wise.

Evidently Astronauts are not exempt from puking their brains out during pregnancy.



Kalani has grown into a precious child. Here she is, thrilled over her A+ report card.



Another magical moment in the Kokopelli household. Kaela and Kalani share a "snuggle bug" moment.



Kaela has since morphed into a lovely adult and Ala gave birth to her fourth child, another girl, named Kalista.
Em, don't you wish you could just toss a baby up in the air and his stinky, dirty diaper would be changed instantly? lol

Hunter, I keep forgetting to thank you for your kind compliments on my family's abode.
I've since done a bit of renovating, to add a couple more beds to the joint!

Things are still going beautifully and smoothly. Now that some of the kids are earning aspiration points, it should get easier to keep the folks chugging back the Elixer.



Stay tuned for more...

I like your Kokopellis they are adorable!

Lovely pics this makes me inspired to start my game and start up with that Liz Taylor callenge or maybe this one.... I have to decide later.


I hope you had an happy 4th anniversary!

My sims are pretty leisurely too. I don't really push the skill building and friend making they need to get promoted. Sometimes I do, but not usually. Pretty much the only time my sims make it to the top before reaching their elder years is when they don't have children and that doesn't happen often.

Are Ala and Lono, exactly the same sim, except for Lono being male? I was thinking when you said they were both created from Sapphira that their kids are all going to be identical or close to identical.

That's kind of funny to see her puking in her astronaut suit. The sisters cuddling together on the couch is really cute!

Quote :

Em, don't you wish you could just toss a baby up in the air and his stinky, dirty diaper would be changed instantly? lol

I never thought of that, but now that you mention it, YES! Especially when the little guy doesn't hold still and refuses to lay down. lol Diaper changing is harder in the real world, but pregnancy seemed easier, at least for me. I'm glad I didn't have the morning sickness that most of my sim ladies do!