Ninja free

There is something to be said for having time to yourself; hell, I managed to cook and eat dinner, have a great conversation with an old friend, unload and load the dishwasher, catch up on a few episodes of General Hospital, and begin working on our extensive hand written Christmas card list. However, in the event that you have two boys like mine, they become even more over protective when I am home alone - which is awesome and awful all at the same time.
For example, tonight I came flying out of the shower because my oldest starting raising cane near the front door after I heard something like a ninja dropping onto the front porch. Now, this causes a ton of problems: our floor is tile, there was conditioner in my hair, and a psychotic 125 pound mass of anger. The only saving graces are: I am safe, do not have a concussion (I managed to stay upright), and there were no ninjas on the front porch (though that says little for the backyard)!
This is an amazing option, our boys are sweet as long as they know they are allowed to be but when there is an air of uncertainty, that is an entirely different story. For those many days and nights that I spent alone, I couldn't have asked for better companions and protectors; however, when there are no ninjas on the front porch and they become a bit like helicopter parents when I am alone, it can be nerve racking! Whilst I appreciate the vigilance in care, I do not appreciate a rousing round of Sir Barks A Lot at the natural bumps in the night that come from living in a city.
Now that I am certain that the house is ninja free and all of the doors have been locked at least twice and I have allowed the boys on at least two rounds of patrol, we are settling in for the night. As Christmas draws nearer, remember to love all of those around you, and do not forget your pets for one day you will have to say goodbye and your whole world will have to move on from those fur paws, wet noses, and wagging nubbies (tails) - remember, your pets may only be a part of your world but you are all of theirs.
Tonight, I listen to the deep breathing that only comes from a human sized canine, and know that I appreciate the crazy, helicopter over protection that they give me because it allows me to sleep peacefully and know to the fullest extent how much I will miss them when I have to say goodbye.