Joking about Murder

Sometimes, when my kids push my buttons on purpose, I use my jokiest and most threatening voice to say "I'll kill you in your sleep." I try to sound Italian.

I had no idea this statement had become a term of endearment. The other day at dinner, I said it to one of them and Claire tossed it back with a slight variation "I'll kill you in my sleep." Then they both laughed one of those inside joke laughs.

I guess sometimes they say that to each other before they go to bed. They started out saying "I'll kill you in your sleep" and it morphed. "I love you. I'll kill you in my sleep."