MoonStar, for mods you can read the following guide on downloading and installing them.
Installation Instructions for Graphic Mods

The mods themselves are located here:
Virtual Families Mods

You also seem to have some nice suggestions for the game, you should post about that here:
Suggestions for Virtual Families
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I just added a new bug to my collection in my Rainbow family which is well on its way to generation 6.

62 year old Spike V made that lovely discovery soon after his wife passed away.

I try not to think of it as not receiving any new collectibles in a certain amount of generations.. I just see it as "it took me 5 generations to get this collectible." That just shows you what the definition of "rare" or "uncommon" really is.