i have a confession to make

I've not always been such a big Star Wars fan. I was pondering this while folding five Star Wars shirts (size 5) this morning. I've always liked it, and I figured B would like it, but having Rob around has put things into, well, hyperdrive. He owns far more books than there are movies and was really excited to learn that one of the women who attends our church authored a few of them - from when Han and Leia had kids. And for no other reason than for funsies, I've humored both of them in many many things.

• Remember when we walked down the aisle? Star Wars theme.
• That first night Rob and I really got to talk about our future together? Not until after we'd all watched The Empire Strikes Back.
• Blake even got a Storm Trooper gun as a wedding gift.

With help from Reese, who pointed me to a site that gave some ideas on throwing a Star Wars themed birthday party, I decided to actually TRY this year. We were going to have a real party, albeit a small one since it would be in the wee condo. It started with invitations:

Invited You Are…

on a galactic adventure with Blake!

On Saturday, February 5th, you can take part in your

Jedi Training.

Your mission will be to rescue and protect Princess Leia,

as she has been taken prisoner by Darth Vader.

After Galactic Pizza and Yoda Sodas, we’ll be

fighting to destroy Darth Vader and the Death Star,

using your Jedi force powers.

Please bring your Jedi lightsaber to aid you

in your mission. You will be awarded with your

official Jedi robe upon arrival, in order to

assist you in your Jedi Training.

May the force be with you!

Training begins at 11:00 am, in a galaxy as close as the Bedford home.

Please have your Jedi Master (a parent) confirm enrollment via Addie!

I then set about to making the thematic elements.

Rather than actually sewing, I bought XXL brown shirts and cut a wide strip from the front center. The strip became the belt for the Jedi robe.

A soccer ball pinata (thanks Mom and Laurie!), when spray painted silver and adorned with strips of black tape, became the Death Star.

And rather than buying a spare $8 light saber, I used about $8 worth of Sharpies on this masterpiece.

Cake was strategically colored cupcakes in a light saber configuration.

Finally, as you can sort of tell from the clues, we were all in costume. I was Leia, Terra (not pictured but incredibly invaluable on party day) was "helpful friend #1," and Rob even made an appearance during his very brief lunch break:

"Death of Darth" from RBedford Productions on Vimeo.

The staff of our own little rebel base.

More photos and stories of the fun day to come. But now, hot cocoa and maybe a crossword puzzle for me. Recovering from a birthday party takes as long for this old lady as preparing for it!