My name is Schmi.

There he is, my little Darth Vader. And in case you didn't get the title, Schmi Skywalker is Anakin's mom. By the way, I HAD TO LOOK IT UP. Trust me, I am not a Star Wars nerd. (Hah, I just erased a typo -- I had actually written "Star Warts.") I've only seen the new movies. Okay, that's enough of a non-nerd disclaimer (for now...something tells me I might have to prove myself further down the road). I tried to throw together a Schmi-like costume at the last minute, but I didn't have the right things in my closet. So I just wore a "Hello, my name is" tag that said, "Schmi Skywalker." I'm so clever. And Walden thinks he's hot stuff now because, apparently, Anakin's dad was The Force, or something like that. (Again, NOT something I just KNEW, but found out later.)

You can't really tell, but his light saber lights up. And he's trying to pull of his hat. Er, excuse me, helmet. (Helmut? How confusing.) I'll have to show you another picture of Darth's dark side. It'll make your day. Seriously. My kid is that amazingly cute. The best part for Max about trick-or-treating was seeing his favorite characters. He actually chased down a three-year-old dressed as Elmo, yelling, "E-mo! E-mo!" And I discovered my kiddo is addicted to Tootsie Rolls. Can't say I blame him. They were my favorite when I was a kid, too.

Anyway, just wanted to share my escapades with Darth Vader himself. Since Walden and I both weren't home for trick-or-treaters, we left a basket full of candy and a note that said, "Unfortunately, the residents of this place have been taken captive by a dangerous villian named Darth Vader. Lucky for you, you have escaped his wrath...for now... Take what you need for nourishment to thwart the evils of The Dark Side, but be sure to leave sustenance for others seeking refuge from the evils of this galaxy. Be brave, young ones, and may the Force be with you..." Go ahead and say it. I'm brilliant.

Happy November!