The save files are still there.  I have renamed the backup file but when I click play nothing happens and it has switched to a random household.
edit: Never mind, I fixed it.  the .backup has to be taken off the backup file and the original has to be completely changed (no .sims3) for it to load right.  Thanks!!  I was dreading needing to restart everything.

I deleted awesomemod with the intension of reinstalling without parthenogenesis (my town was quickly becoming all elders...)  I went in to play and my neighborhoods are GONE!   Is this from deleting awesomemod?  I downloaded it a couple weeks ago (not sure which version I had) but I never used the "sacred ones"option.