EARLY Thursday

Saddle up, this may be a long ride. My heart is so heavy for Melodie, Baylor, Blake and Brandon. Craig joined his parents in Heaven last night. He was one of those friends who loved life, never met a stranger, and made you feel like you were the only person worth talking to. For many years, he was just the little brother of a childhood friend, but came to be more of a friend than his sister. He married my precious friend, and in the very prime of his life, got the most dreaded diagnosis. I am happy that he is no longer in pain, but already feel the void his absence creates. I love you, Craig.

In case you are wondering why I am up at 5:23 am, it would be because the little princess decided at 3 am to take a walk on the wild side, and try to get past Mr. Payne for some chocolate milk. Her first mistake was turning off our fan. Mr. Payne, unlike me, is a light sleeper....so don't try to get anything past him. Me? You could walk off with the house. But, at 51, once I get woke up, I pretty much stay that way (without meds). I was awakened to their arguments over chocolate milk. He marched her back to her room and told her to get back in the bed after some lengthy discussion. I hate that she is wearing on his patience. I do not want her to cause him any health problems. His blood pressure is high enough already. Shortly after he closed her door, I saw the light come on in the hallway. She was up again. This time, I got up. She was peeking around the corner of the living room. I got her by the arm, and started moving her back to her room. She protested loudly and persistently. I normally give in, but I did not want to feel the wrath of Mr. Payne for letting her have her way. Long story short, I had to stand in the doorway to block her from leaving her room. At first, she stood toe to toe with me, then she sat down in a chair and pulled that pentecostal prayer thing. "Jesus, help me! (hands raised) Lord, do help me!" So I just prayed along with her OUT LOUD! "Yes, Lord. She needs help. Take her home to be with you". This stopped that little charismatic outburst. She then moved over to the bed, and sat on the end. At this point, she began the little girl pleading. "Julie, why can't I have some milk?" "I'm hungry" "I just want some milk" "I never thought you'd do me this way..." Before that thought was out of her mouth good, I said, "I never thought you would do ME this way. You have told us to knock you in the head when you get up in the night...I'm trying to get you back in bed." I heard Rebekah's door open. Great, now she has woken up the entire household, as her room is over Christopher's bed, so I know he is hearing all this. Rebekah tried to persuade me to go get her some milk, arguing with me that it is easier to just let her have her way. I was too far into this battle to give in. "Moma, you have now woken up everyone in the house. Kerry has to work tomorrow and Rebekah has school. GET IN THE BED!" Sitting on the side of the bed with a smug look on her face, she said, "Go on! I'll get in the bed." I stood my ground. "You gone stand there all night?" I nodded. Finally, she said, "I'll lay down...." She began fixing her covers, and acting as if she were going to do what I asked, but I know her well. She kept saying, "Go on". I stood firm. Finally, I said, "I can be just as stubborn as you are and I am not moving until you are in the bed covered up". She finally gave in and laid down and covered herself up. That was quite the victory! She is stubborn as a mule, and tonight I wanted to cattle prod her. As I laid my head back down, attempting (and failing) to go back to sleep, I began to wonder if I could use a stun gun on her. Yes, I just finished the new Stephanie Plum novel.