Not too long ago at a house far, far away, amidalooine, Anakinside1 and myself gathered for a much-needed get-together. Padmeskywalker77 was to join us as well, but alas, her busy schedule kept her away. We sure missed you, dear!

Anakinside1 graciously hosted the event at her house. We oohed and ahhed at the growing baby-belly of AS1, admired her finshed remodeling projects, went out to eat, got some cool SW loot from an awesome store called Big Fun, talked, played SW Trivial Pursuit, ate some more; looked through my Vault, ate some chocolate, played with AS1's precious dog, Adho, and pondered life. Eventually we fell asleep to the lullaby of Return of the Jedi and the gentle glow of the television. The next morning, AS1 made the yummiest pancakes for us before we went our seperate ways!

These sleepovers always give me a renewed sense of friendship and envigorates me beyond explaination!

One thing that I shared in our plethera of poignant ponderings was the fact that at my house (as I'm sure is true at many of yours), Star Wars is a way of life. Just like other families have their own "culture" of traditions, holiday practices and daily routines, Star Wars is something that is ingrained in almost everything we do at my house. My hubby - crazy as he thinks I am sometimes - has accepted SW as part of my personality.

Now, I will tell you that I have not pushed SW onto my padawans. I have been very careful not to as a matter of fact, because I don't want them burnt out on it by the time they're 10 - rolling their eyes and cringing at the thought of it!

Much to my delight, however, they have embraced SW into their lives as who they are...who WE are as a family. It is a way for us to connect: as Obi-Wan would say: "it binds us, it penetrates us." It's just so heartwarming to me that we can all share and delight in this way of life!!

Allow me to share in a couple of recent happenings at the House of Mamadala:

Recently, my youngest padawan celebrated his birthday. He wanted me to make him a Millennium Falcon cake, so I did - from scratch! It's not a perfect replica, but I think I did OK, and he seemed very happy with it!!

For Christmas, my kids decided that they wanted money instead of gifts from the grandparents. I thought for sure my oldest would use his savings and that money to buy a Wii, because that was all he talked about wanting for months, but lo-and-behold, he decided he wanted an FX lightsaber. What surprised me even more was that he wanted Yoda's (I don't know why that surprised me, but it did). My youngest has been wanting an FX since I got mine for my birthday back in July...I knew which one he wanted - Mace's!!! So, they got 'em!! (I honestly tried to talk them out of it, but they were determined!)

Next weekend, I have the privelige of hosting what just might be the very first Star Wars-themed baby shower in the galaxy! As many of you know, AS1 is expecting her first youngling at the end of next month. Several Spew Crew members will be making the trek from near and far to join in the celebration, and to shower AS1 with our love, friendhip...and of course PRESENTS!!!

We are going to have one big sleepover, too!!

Here's a list of who's coming:

Guest of honor: Anakinside1
Amidalooine
Padmeskywalker77
JediMelindaWolf
JediPrincess77
Ewenandhaydenfan5
Senator Sophi-a
(hopefully) JediPug1

Of course, the rest of the Crew will be there in spirit!!! (You know who you are!!)

I will fully document the shower for all who are interested in how it turned out!

This SW way of life.....I LOVE IT!!!

MTFBWY!

MO2YP