Fathers.

My fire fighter husband is the best. Let me count the ways:

He laughs. 

He jokes. 

He loves. 

He snuggles (but not too long, because it's weird). 

He sports tattoos like a rebel. 

He saves lives. Literally. 

He is logical. 

He is real. 

He hugs.

He can fix anything. Literally. 

He invents things when there isn't a device to get the job done. 

He put the handy in manny. 

He makes his uniform blush. 

He is outdoorsy. 

He is indoorsy. 

He is whatever doorsy we are being that day. 

He is blonde. 

He has muscles. Lots. 

He cooks. 

He takes time and teaches my children what matters. 

He prays. 

He says thank you. 

He holds the door for me. 

He rushes to help elderly people. 

He sweeps a two year old off his feet to play a game of tag mere minutes after meeting. 

He understands dude time with his boys. 

He watches me. 

He brags about his kids. 

He comes to church with us. 

He sits through musicals. 

He wears jeans like a champ. 

He is not afraid of heights or dangerous situations or fires. 

He tells me he loves me, and he means it. 

He rolls in a minivan. 

He drives 45 minutes to get home when our stove makes a funny clicking noise at ten pm. 

He reminds my girls they are beautiful. 

He says "bless you" when I sneeze. 

He's mine. 

Thank you for being a seriously excellent partner in this parenting experiment. Our kids are rad. They will always be better people because you are their dad. I didn't mean to rhyme, but you are worth it. Happy Father's Day Mike The Man Brewer. 

Morning Thoughts on a Saturday

I awoke this morning to my husband getting ready for work. He's a good man. In fact, he is The Man. Ask around. I am not even kidding. I decided to make something of my day since he was off to save lives. I mean, I want to have something to say to him when he comes home with the list of lives he saved on his 48 hour shift. Laundry seemed like a logical beginning. Then coffee. Then Jesus. No, it doesn't bother me that I did two things before I read my Bible.

I have had this discussion with people. I think God cares more that I am paying attention and coherent when I sit to learn and listen instead of insisting I open my eyeballs and pick up my Bible. I usually fall asleep if I do that. And, while I am sure God isn't offended, I am sure sometimes he thinks, "Silly girl. Too many rules." So, I wake up, maybe spend a few minutes with my groggy and still snuggly kids, and then make my way to my Bible.

Here is what I realized:

I take too much for granted. I feel like things will be there when I finally decide to get to them.

I have blessings
more than I know
I am not thankful enough

I have love
more than I show
I do not share it enough

I have time
more than I spend
I do not use it enough

I have a song
more than I share
I do not sing it enough

I have a gift
His name is Jesus
He alone is more than enough

I take for granted too much. I want to be arrested in my heart. Bleeding for those who are too drained after a lifetimes of grief to bleed anymore.
I am too lacking in compassion. I do not hurt with people. To be honest, someone will trip and I giggle a little and THEN ask if they are OK. Well, that isn't always a big deal, but I find it rolls over to the serious moments.
Yesterday I read a news caption on one of those tickers on the bottom of the TV screen. A pilot of a small plane crashed into the Truckee Airport. He died.

My first thought was a prayer, "Lord, please don't let it be someone I know." I felt terrible for saying it, even in my mind. Why would that matter? So that I would not hurt? What about that man's family? His mother? His wife? His kids? What did I just say? That it's OK for him to be dead if I am not affected? Is that what I meant?

So, I asked for forgiveness for my narrow-minded heart and began again. I prayed for that man's heart- that he would be with Jesus. I prayed for his family and anyone affected. I prayed that God would use this time to be heard by those left behind. I put myself in his wife's place and it hurt.

I read once that you should be a part of what breaks your heart. I think I get too busy to know what that looks like. No matter what I try, my calendar overloads. I want to be radical. I even know some of the drastic moves I need to make, but they are counter intuitive and they make me have to focus on things inconvenient and not self satisfying.

"Would you open up my eyes so I can see? Would you open up my ears so I can hear? Would you open up my mind so I can know? Would you open up my heart so I can love you more.
I wanna serve you my God. I want to give you all of me?"- Shawn McDonald

I want to mean this with all of my heart. I want to make room. I want to see all that God wants me to see. I want my eyes to be closed to all the nonsense that keeps me from living with purpose. No exceptions. I want to clear the stage.

I love this song by Jimmy Needham



It breaks my heart and makes me hopeful that I am not as callous as I think sometimes. It challenges me to seek.

A Chicken Decision

Sometimes My Husband gets an idea in his head to build a little box for a chicken or two.

Then instead he builds a chicken palace big enough for the Capulets and the Montagues and all their servants and all their servants' chickens.

This is one of those times. And, do you know what I have to say about that? SHE'S A BEAUT CLARK!! I love it. Seriously, I want to get my pillow and my blanket and snuggle up in that there castle before the real characters arrive: Stella, Stanley, and Fredword. Hopefully you will see these guys soon. We opted to wait until we return from our graduation trip before we bring those new babies home.

Why I like Mike #30

He wants to stay married to me after 16 years. There is a really good chance that when we were married 16 years ago yesterday, he thought our lives would be very different than they are now. There are probably even times when he looked at me with really big eyes behind my bag and pretended to strangle me while thinking, "WHAT did I get myself inTO?!!" But more often than all of those times, he has loved me. And he is very good at loving me. He handles my habits and my irritations and not so pleasant qualities. And at the end of the day, he hugs me. I like that about this guy. I like a lot about this guy. I am very excited for another 16 years and then some.
Here's lookin at you kid.
Here's mud in your eye.
Here's to us.
I love you.

Why I Like Mike #29

He remembers to buy me cough medicine when I forget it for myself. I know it's early, but I woke this morning, not from coughing or a cricked neck from sleeping on the couch. I woke early because I actually slept most of the night. Thanks for taking care of me babe.

And This Guy

I mean, we have already been over his hotness. I know what you are thinking. "What more is there to discuss?" Well, I will tell you. Here are a few things you don't know about this guy that make him more than lovable:

He gets incredibly excited about those free address labels that randomly come in the mail. INCREDIBLY.

He likes to eat a whole lotta junk food while he watches The Biggest Loser. Who doesn't.

He prays. I really like that about him. Especially when he begins his prayers with, "dear baby Jesus." sigh.

He is addicted to Craig's List. That man gets on Craig's List like that kid on Mall Rats gets on that escalator. I have recommended he join a support group.

He can paint a room without taping it off. It's like his hands are magic just like Heart said they are. Magic hands, Mamma. I keep telling him it would make an excellent side job.

Why I Like Mike #25 ADULT WARNING!!

This blog will now be showing porn. Some of the following images are not suitable for young children, women who cannot keep their hands and thoughts to themselves, or men who have ever thought my husband was hot. Proceed with caution. I apologize if these images make you stumble.


SEE! Oh my goodness. Kenny Chesney MAY have written that sexy tractor song after seeing my husband in the distance or closeness at some point. Hopefully not the closeness, cause that makes me a little scared.

Seriously, how do I make myself attractive enough to keep up with this?

Oh my. I have to go......

Date Night

This is where I will be tomorrow night. Hot dog in hand,
cowgirl hat on, sunscreen, and sunshine on my shoulders.
I am so very excited. I doubt I will catch a foul ball,
but considering we won't really know the people there,
I might be able to convince my husband to give me a
few PDA smooches. Some people can be so silly about those.

Why I like Mike #24

He rocks. For realz. These were the shirts we wore to dinner for Fathers Day.

Why I Like Mike # 23

He knows how to handle me. In the previous month,
I have been in the strangest bubble. I noticed it, but I wasn't
sure anyone else did. Of course My Husband did. What was I thinking?
It's what I like about him today. He notices me. Then he
let's me be.
The attacks on my household have been mind bottling (heh)
in this past month. I am severely aware at how clearly God
has been protecting my children, the prayers he has answered,
and the guarding he has provided. Still, I recently noticed
I am living in self protection mode. At every second of my day
I am either listening to music or reading a book, trying
to tune so much out. To keep my focus small. It's bizarre.
I do these things normally, but not in the desperate, needing way
I have lately. It is unsettling, but I still attribute it to
self preservation.
But, I noticed the other day, that The Man just let me be.
He didn't try to fix me, he didn't judge me, he didn't ask more of me.
I like him. And, I need more of what I see in this picture. So tomorrow
we are dating ;) yeessssss!

Job Front Update

First, thank you all for your prayers and support. We have felt them tremendously.

Thank you.

Second, last night, Mike got a memo saying FOR NOW lay offs may be avoidable should the economy hold- whatever that means.

We also found out that the city is likely using employee numbers v length with the

department to decide the 32 potential layoffs. Because The Man is formally known as The Cone Guy with the city of Reno, he has nearly 4 years seniority ahead of the guys in his academy. This means he

should get to continue being the hottest

fire fighter ever created. You guys can

continue to just call him Mike :) We are still praying

steadfastly on all accounts: job security for firefighters

and police, financial help when needed, peace, our faith.

Help My Husband Keep His Job

This is a copy of an email I sent
out to all the addresses I have. Please copy and paste the whole thing
and send it to anyone you think will help. You can also post this on your
blog if you are willing.-

This email is legit, and written by me (Shontell Brewer) personally.
A few months ago, the City of Reno, Mayor, and Council people
decided budget cuts needed to be made, so the fire fighters and
police willingly gave up their housing funds, uniform money, the
rest of their incentives, and all overtime in order to save the 12 jobs
threatened with lay offs. The city cared little that the contracts
THEY agreed on were not being honored, but it was a deal we
were all willing to live with, so we allowed it. By God's grace, we
have financially held on. Contracts are up for renegotiation, and
they are again asking for the fire fighters to willingly give up their
incentives, overtime, and cost of living raises with the agreement
that no firefighters will be laid off. Of course, the firefighters agreed.
The city is reconsidering and is now threatening to take the pay AND
layoff 32 fire fighters. There are talks of police layoffs as well, but I do
not know the numbers. You can help get us get our message out to
the mayor and council people by copying, pasting, and emailing the
following message, and sending it to the following addresses. If you
are willing, please call the phone numbers below as well and speak to
whoever answers restating the information in the message below.
Prayers are also very coveted right now.
_____________________________

Send the following email to all of these people:

cashellr@cityofreno.com,hascheff@cityofreno.com, gustind@cityofreno.com,zadras@cityofreno.com, sferrazzaj@cityofreno.com,Dreskad@cityofreno.com, aiazzi@cityofreno.com, dortchd@cityofreno.com

Your subject line should read:

No Layoffs Of Reno Firefighters Or Police Officers

The body of your email should read (and feel free to add your
own information as well):

Dear Council Person:
I am unhappy about the proposed lay offs of Reno Fire Fighters and
Police Officers. I strongly disagree with this action.
Lay offs of Fire fighters or Police Officers in the City will negatively
influence my vote in any future election in which you are running.
I strongly disagree with balancing the City’s budget on the back of the
City employees. There are certainly other revenues that can solve this
problem.
I don’t agree with closing fire stations or reducing personnel in stations
and sacrificing public safety. This action will also negatively influence my
vote in any future election in which you are running.

(You may sign your name or leave it blank, just send it. It is helpful if you
include the fact that you are a tax payer and voter.)
___________________________________

Please know, so much of the information about pay and money and over staffing
as stated on the news is absolute fabrication. If you really want to know how
much money firefighters make, how hard they work, and how often their lives
are in danger to help perfect strangers, ask them. Or, come look in my pantry,
talk to my kids, and find someone who has had to call 911 and wait because the
station near their house was closed due to layoffs. _____________________________________________________

Your phone calls will truly make a difference. Especially to Mr. Mayor, who is
eager to get re-elected.

Mayor Bob Cashell775.334.2001775.334.3112

Reno City CouncilFax: 775.334.2097PH: 775.334.2002

Sharon Zadra775.334.2017775.334.3112

Dwight Dortch:775.334.2015775.334.2025

Donna Dreska Acting City Manager775.334.2008

Dan Gustin775.334.2011775.334.2025

Jessica Sferrazza775.334.2012775.326.6313

Dave Aiazzi775.334.2016775.334.1206

Pierre Hascheff775.334.2014775.326.6313

Our family appreciates your participation in this. PLEASE forward this to
anyone you think will be willing to help us. If you have comments,
email me or call me.

To All of Our Well Meaning Friends

Brace yourself. I am about to set up a boundary that I hope you will honor.

• Please do not call our house and ask us if Mike is going to get laid off.


• Please do not call and tell us you are worried.


• Please do not call our house and give us a furrowed brow with disappointed eyes and say you hope everything works out.

There really IS a good chance that he will get laid off

but a better chance that God really is the God that takes care of us.

If you think of us at all, and want to make a difference, pray.

We could use your prayers.

If you have already called with any of these misguided messages,

don't be offended; we don't love you less. I AM speaking to you, but just know that our

faith lies in what God has called us to, and not the news, which

is seriously full of lies.

*this pic is The Man showing his mad baseball skills on the Wii. It makes me happy.

Why I Like Mike # 22

He has stayed married to me for 13 years.

Between hospital visits, metal shards in the eyeball, chili dinners, injured backs, subbing jobs, and fighting fires, The Man and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary. It was a good day because, at the end, I knew I was loved. I knew I would have someone to offer me a hug with a secret butt pinch. Ah, husbands. Love you Hot Lips Hoolahan.

Happy Birthday to..All of You

Elijah is 8


Daddy is year older

And now my Layla Grace is 7

Why I Like Mike #21

He ALREADY got me my anniversary present, it was ALL his idea, and it is something we get to do together, possibly forever. Meet Rosalie, the newest member of our family. Isn't she a beauty?


I MEAN WHAT!!?? I OWN THIS THING?! I cannot tell you how very much this guitar was calling to me in the store. Then my husband said those beautiful words. "Kay, let's get one." OOH okay! And here is where it gets better. After we tucked the kids in and said goodbye to our super fun company of Jenene Boardman, The Man and I worked through our very first guitar lesson.


And look at these details


Isn't she pretty?

I Dare You

GEORGE DARE

Okay, I don't mean this kind of Dare, I mean THIS kind of dare!

This week I was perusing the Christian bookstore and I came across this book.
I am officially daring you, and anyone you think would like to be a part of this, to love your husband. You need the book, but everything else comes from you.

I DARE YOU TO LOVE YOUR HUSBAND! Try it and see how God will reward your efforts. It's 40 days of preferring your spouse.

You boys can get in on this as well. Just do it. I will try to post some of the hi-lights. We are going to begin on Monday. So far, there are three of us. I would love to have you all join me.

Prayers Please

*

















My husband, the fire fighter, is at the mercy of some upcoming decisions from the city council and other "they"s we hear about all the time. We really have no say in what happens. We get to wait and hear with everyone else whether he gets to keep his job or not. I have faith that God has not brought us all the way over the mountains we had to climb to get to this point just to take it all away, and I also know that He loves us. I am trying to be accepting of whatever comes my way. That doesn't mean I don't want the prayers. Please pray:

for the decision makers to remember there are families heavily affected by the choices they make.

That they will be dealing with accurate facts rather than the nonsense they have been using up to this point.

that God will provide clarity to all involved.

and that we will not waiver in our faith while we ride out the storm.

* Please disregard the comma in the picture. I had nothing to do with it.

Mike

Why I like Mike #19. He bought me a present :) And not just any present, but a Canon Rebel Xs . I am utterly in love. Now, I just need to learn how to use it. Here are some samples:









Happy 2009.

Why I Like Mike #18

There really are too many reasons, but TODAY I like Mike because he said my Christmas present should be delivered soon. WHAT?! "You aren't going shopping on Christmas Eve this year? But, what who is my brother going to shop with?" hmm. For years I have tried to explain to him how incredibly easy I am to please. He has just been very 'man' about focusing on the now and not so much a planner. I am so excited to get a present for Christmas. I mean, I usually get presents, I just usually pick them out with him by my side. In his defense, this is also happiness for me as my love language is quality time.

Speaking of presents, some of my favorite gifts we are giving this year are:

The game of Candyland
The game of Hungry Hungry Hippo
a very cute little pull along doggy for Sam
an unbelievable coloring book I got at Old Navy (random, I know)
and a video game in which you shoot cows with plungers. giggle.