Update On Us

How have we been doing with the kids and a new baby, you ask. Well here is a quick run down for all of you who have been wondering.

Paul: He LOVES his little sister and would often come in to see her while we were upstairs recovering from the birth. Paul is a big help as he loves to bring things to me and often volunteers to bring things. He does miss his mommy alot, but enjoys being able to have daddy home more. Paul is growing so fast and is constantly wanting to do school and read.

Peter: He also loves his sister although not as much as Paul does. Peter would also like to come and see me while we were upstairs. He loves to look at his sister and touch her. Peter does not seem to miss me as much as Paul does, but I think he does notice that I am not around as much as I use to be. Peter loves to go outside and play and often we have a hard time bringing him back in for lunch or naps. He also is developing a love for learning and will often sit with Paul to do school.

Stella: Stella noticed that there was a new one in the house and she does not like it. She will often cry at auntie when auntie holds baby Fay. Stella also noticed that mommy does not have time for her as much. I have been spending time with her by rocking her to sleep or holding her in my lap while I am down stairs. She is almost to the point of walking around the house and she loves to climb on things. Stella is definitely determined to do things and she loves to play with her brothers.

Mommy and Daddy: Besides not getting enough sleep at night, we are doing pretty good. Fay keeps me up alot at night, so I end up having to sleep during the day. I am not use to sleeping during the day and this is a huge adjustment as I miss seeing my other kids. Joshua has been a great help in taking care of the other 3 kids so that I can get my rest and focus on Fay. Joshua has been working half days at the shop and my sister helps me the other half. I still have to be careful to not over do it.

Fay: She is growing everyday and now she looks like a baby instead of a new born. At first she was not getting enough to eat, so we had to switch to me pumping and giving her a bottle. Fay has really taken off and gained quite a bit of weight and filled out. She still sleeps alot, but the time is coming when she will be awake and needing more attention. After Fay was born, she lost alot of weight- she weighted 6 lbs. 9 ozs. at birth and then she went down to 5 lbs. 13 ozs. Otherwise she is doing great. Please pray that she will continue to gain weight and that we will get the nursing thing down.

Auntie Mar: She has really been a great help to me and I don't know what I would do without her. Auntie Mar has taken on the task of 3 kids- which is not an easy task to take on, even for me. She has made sure that I get the rest that I need, cleans the house, makes meals, and even serves me by bringing things up stairs when I need them so that I don't have to travel them that much. I am VERY thankful for my sister, she has been a life saver. She does not have the kids all day as Joshua comes home in the afternoons so she does get some time off.

Grandpa and Grandma: My parents have also been very supportive since I had Fay. My mom has been a great help in the mornings and nights after work. If I have trouble with Fay at night, I know that I can wake my mom and she will help me get Fay to sleep. My mom also has been very good at keeping the boys occupied. She and my dad will often work outside in the yard over the weekend and they will take the boys outside to work with them. They are also planning a trip to go to Iowa and Wisconsin over the 4th of July to visit with family. Otherwise they have been busy at the shop.

We would appreciate your prayers for all of us and as we make adjustments to having a new little one in our home.

Update On Us

Here's what we have been up to lately:

Paul and Peter: Peter is talking more and more, not always clearly, but at least he is talking. Paul's vocabulary is expanding and he loves doing school with mommy. Paul loves to say hi to the baby in mommy's tummy and he often says that he has a baby in his tummy. Both of the boys have been very helpful in taking care of Stella and doing things around the house. Paul and I are enjoying the time we get to spend together during Awanas.

Stella: Stella will be 9 months on the 2nd of March. I can't believe how big she is getting. Time goes by so fast with the more kids you have. She is doing the army crawl, but will get up on her hands and knees to start. She can sit up by herself from the crawling position. Stella also loves to eat cheerios and crackers, when she has the chance to and her older brothers don't eat them all. She is getting two of her top teeth. We are enjoying having a little girl.

Joshua and Amy: We are busy with kids, getting things done around the house, and re-organizing Stella's room. We are 75% sure that we are having another girl and are happy about having two girls close together. Joshua and I have decided on Fay Estelle for this little ones name. We did not think that we would have to re-do Stella's room any time soon and this is ending up being a big project. I am trying to get as much done before the little one comes. Joshua is also busy with the cell phone shop and violin shop.

Bob and Marie: They are enjoying the grandkids and are a big help with them. We are finishing another part of the basement to make a bigger room for my sister, so Joshua and my dad moved our washer and dryer over out of that room. We are enjoying doing things on the house on the weekend as a family. Bob and Marie are getting more involved at church. They are involved in the mission committee and they just recently joined the choir. Otherwise they are busy with the shop and family.

Marlene: She is busy with helping me with the kids, cooking dinner, cleaning the house, and helping where she can. She does have time to attend a Bible study on Tuesday nights and hang out with friends. Marlene is a big help when I am feeling tired and need a nap, or just need to get out of the house to run an errand or go for a walk. The boys love being able to spend time with their auntie, so does Stella.

It's Been Awhile

Sorry its been so long. We just got over one sickness to began another. The kids got hit both time- as well did I. I don't usually get sick- at least not that bad. This time we got hit with the stomach flue. This virus really liked to hang on! We are still not fully recovered. We have been having some nice weather and some snow. I didn't get any pictures because I was really sick that day- I stayed in bed all day! So I will caught up with pictures as soon as I can! Hope you are all well.

Update On Us

Here is what we have all been up to:

Joshua and Amy: Joshua has been busy with the shop and giving attention to his 3 kids. He has been helping Amy with Stella when she is up for half of the night and also letting her get naps. Amy is enjoying her little girl and enjoying how content she is so that she can get some things done. Her family has been very helpful with the transition to adjusting to the new baby. They both are enjoying their new family of 5.

Stella: She is growing like a weed. Stella weighted 9 lbs. 4 ozs. at the last check-up. She is so cubby and cute. It is so much fun holding her and having Stella look up at you with her big eyes. She is such a blessing and we are so grateful for being able to be her parents and to take care of her.

Paul and Peter: They have been enjoying having a little sister. Paul loves to get things for me and tells me to be careful of his little sister. Peter is still adjusting as he is no longer the baby of the family. I am having to find time to spend with him to help him with the adjustments. Paul and Peter keep us very busy as they are active and having a new little one also. They have also been a joy to take care of.

Auntie Mar: She has been such a big help since Stella was born. I don't know what I would do without all the help, especially since I need to recover from the birth. She is still cleaning and cooking dinner for the family (one less thing to worry about). Auntie Mar goes to the shop while we all nap and helps out there until we are up from our naps. She has been a great blessing to me.

Grandpa and Grandma Steed: They are mostly busy with the shop and also with grandkids. They both have been enjoying getting to be part of the kids lives and have been a big help for Joshua and I. This weekend they are going on a retreat, which I am excited about because this is one of the first times that they have gotten away over night by themselves.

We are planning on making a trip to Iowa to see my dad's side of the family. This is going to be our first family vacation (not including the trip out to Colorado). We will be leaving around the 4th of July. Thank you for all your prayers and keeping in contact with us.

Update On Us

It's been awhile since I have posted about how we are doing, so I thought that I would do one before the new baby comes. So here is how we have been doing:

Joshua and Amy: We are still getting ready for the new baby and constantly switching things around and organizing better (poor Joshua has all these project to do). I (Amy) am starting to feel the end of pregnancy pains and tiredness. I am doing well, just tired and lacking energy and it is very hard to get up from the floor. Joshua continues to be busy with the shop and also the many projects that I have planned for him. We are hoping that the baby will not plan on coming this weekend as Joshua's birthday is the 16th. We would not mind if the baby comes in May, but not until sometime next week (the baby will be 37 weeks by then). I continue to be amazed about how much time I have before the birth (only 25 more days!!!!!), but I am very excited about the new baby.

Paul and Peter: They love the warmer weather and being able to play outside. Paul is so cute, he tells me that he thinks its warm outside when he wants to go outside and that he wants to eat outside (something that we started this year with the boys). Last year Paul did not understand that during the summer he did not need a coat on to go outside, now he tells me that he does not need a jacket. Its funny what kids understand or how they think about different things. Peter is saying more words and is starting to communicate more to us. He also loves being able to be in a big boy's bed. I have not made any process with potty training Peter (though I am not in that much of a hurry). Peter is interested since Paul has been potty trained. The boys keep us very active and busy. We would appreciate your prayers on God's wisdom and guidance on raising our boys for Him.

Auntie Mar: She continues to be a BIG help for me especially since I am near the end and trying to be careful with what I lift and being tired. Auntie Mar often will take the boys out for a walk or to play outside and let me get things done that need to get done before the boys naps. She still cleans the house, cooks diner, helps me with the boys, and helps at the shop (yes, I know that I am spoiled). Auntie Mar goes to the shop during the boys naps and then she comes home in time to help me feed the boys dinner. We have been enjoying having Auntie Mar around to help fill in the gaps and help with different things around the house. We don't know what we would do without her help.

Grandpa and Grandma: I wish that you could hear Paul and Peter say the words Grandpa and Grandma. I will have to try to record it (it is so cute). It has been a great experience having my parents around and the boys getting to see their grandparents everyday. We have truly been blessed even with Joshua's parents that the boys are old enough to remember who they are and ask when they are going to come out and see us again. My parents love being grandparents and playing with the kids before and after work. The new thing that they do with the boys is keep lose change around and give it to the boys to put in their piggy banks. The boys love to put the change in and then show grandpa how it makes noise. My parents also love to bring home new toys for the boys and interact with them while they play with the new toys. Otherwise my parents are still busy with the shop.

Please continue to pray for us and our safety at the shop as we have had our shop broken into. We lost about 50 cell phones (all around $100 or less) and had to replace our glass door. We know that times are getting tough for everyone, so we pray that God will continue to protect us and provide for our every need. Thanks for all your prayers and staying in touch with us. God Bless.

Update On Us

Things have been very busy around here, or so it seems. The warmer weather has us going outside alot more and doing more things. Here is what we are up to:

Paul and Peter: they love to go outside and play. Their new found joy is to go outside and eat lunch on a blanket. I can't wait for it to stay warm so that we can spend even more time outside. Paul is potty trained for the most part, and I have been enjoying not having to wash as many diapers and the freedom that is involved in having him potty trained. He does still wear diapers for naps and at bedtime. Peter is trying to talk more and more and loves to be held and cuddled. They both enjoy playing with each other and spending time doing things alone.

Joshua and Amy: Joshua and I will be leaving on Monday to go to Indiana until Friday. This is an early anniversary trip for us and my mom and sister will be watching the boys. Joshua is also going to be visiting the other CPR store in Chicago as well as Michael Darton (a fellow violin maker). We are going to spend a day together going around looking at some of the sites and also have the nights to spend together. I don't know how much blogging I am going to be doing, so you might have to wait until the week after.

Bob and Marie: they are still busy at the shop, but love it when we stop by the shop to surprise them. I think that my mom misses the boys alot and would love to spend more time with them. When they get home at night, the boys go wild and love to play with grandpa and grandma. I am looking forward to the warmer weather when we all can go to the park or hiking as a family.

Marlene: She is busy with helping me and going to the shop. I have been trying to do more things by myself so that I can get use to the idea, especially when the baby comes. I know that my mom and sister will be willing to help me out if I need it. She and William are still trying to decide what to do, they don't know if they will get the fiancee visa still. Please pray for them as they try to find out God's will for their future.

Praise God!

We are finally getting better. After two weeks of having the stomach flue, with all the stuff that goes with it, I am happy to say that we are over it. We eventually had to call our doctor from California and ask her if there is anything else that could be done for them. She said that by the sound of their symptoms that they had an infection in their colon. So I ran out and got some special medicine and started them on it. The medicine worked really fast. I also had to put them on a special diet, which they don't really care for. They have not thrown up for about 2 days now, and are very active. Thank you all who knew and were praying for my boys.

Valentine's Day and An Update

Our Valentine's day was nice and somewhat relaxing, which is nice when you have had a busy weekend. We went to church and ended up coming home before the Sunday school class began. The boys were fussy and I started not to feel good. I ended up taking a nap while Joshua listened for the boys. My mom and sister went to Walmart to see if they had there Valentine's day stuff on sale (its a cheaper way to shop for next year :)). I stayed home with Joshua and the boys, I don't think that I was getting sick- sometimes I get really tired from going and going and just need to rest. We did not do much other than watch the boys and play with them the rest of the night, but it was relaxing.

Updates:
Paul and Peter: they survived the stomach flue and hopefully will not have to go through that again. Both boys continue to be active and keep mommy busy. They have a fondness for going outside even when there is snow on the ground and playing until the get cold. Peter is saying more and more words and making the sounds of words. Its cute because he is starting to call Paul by his name.

Joshua and Amy: We have been busy enjoying our boys. Joshua is busy helping with improvements around the house (such as painting the baby's room, putting up ceiling fans, fixing the bathroom) and at the shop. We enjoy taking the boys to different places on his day off. I am busy with the boys, taking care of me and the baby, getting ready for the baby, and trying to finish some craft things before the baby comes. The baby is starting to kick which is always exciting and we are 90% sure that it is a girl, we are not going to have another ultrasound done. So we are planning as if we are going to have a girl, not really that it matters since we already have all the boys clothes that we need. Joshua and I are going to be going away for an early anniversary trip at the end of March to Indiana to visit some relatives and he will be going into Chicago to visit another violin maker and another cell phone shop. We are very excited about the trip and getting away together for the last time for awhile.

Bob and Marie: love being grandparents and spending time with the boys. On Fridays they have the day off and often will do something around the house and have the boys help. They also love to show the boys new things, such as going to Chuck E. Cheese and other fun places. Bob and Maire continue to be very busy at the shop as the business requires alot of attention. They are enjoying being able to let the techs run the shop on certain days giving them a much needed break. They love to play games, go yard saleing, and spending time with the boys when they come home at night.

Marlene: continues to be busy with the shop and boys. She is a big help to me in helping me take care of the boys. I don't think that I would get that much done without her being there to help take care of them. She also cleans the house and cooks all the meals, which again saves me time. Marlene loves to go to the shop and eat lunch with my mom and help out until the boys get up from their nap. She is still hearing from William everyday. The fiancee visa did not go through and she and William are deciding on what to do next. Please pray for her as she decided what God's will is concerning her and William.

Update On Us

Hi, everyone. I hope that you are all doing well and that you are enjoying the start of the Christmas season. We have been doing well, just busy. Here is an update on how we have been doing.

Paul and Peter: they sure have been getting into this Christmas stuff. They love every decoration that we put out, especially the tree. I take them on walks and they love to look at the Christmas lights, Christmas trees, and decorations that the different houses have. We have been having fun starting some new traditions with them. It is going to be so much fun to celebrate Christmas as they grow older.

Joshua and Amy: we have been busy with the boys. I seem to tire out more quickly now then I did before I was pregnant. We are also getting ready for Christmas (9 days away!!!!) and for the arrival of Joshua's mom, who is going to be celebrating Christmas with us and spending about a week here. Joshua is busy at the shop and with the boys. I am doing okay, but please pray that my eating will come back where it needs to be. I don't need to be losing any more weight.

Bob and Marie: they just got back from a trip to Iowa that they took last Friday. The family was getting together for Christmas and my parents decided to go and see everyone again. They had such a fun time last time and this time. We sure did miss them. They have also been busy with the shop, trying to keep everything running smooth. My mom is also in charge of some of the events at our church, especially the Christmas brunch we are having this Sunday. They are also busy with the grandkids,as they love to play with them when they get home and before work.

Marlene: she has been busy with helping me, especially since I have not been feeling well lately and helping at the shop. Marlene and I have been having fun taking the boys to the indoor playground and taking them on the train. I am glad that I get to spend time with my sister, she is such a big help. She also likes to cook dinners for us and go to the shop to help out while the boys sleep. Marlene also likes to play with the boys and she loves being an auntie.

We hope that you are all doing well and that you have a Merry Christmas. Thank you for your friendship, keeping in touch, and praying for us.

Update On Us

Not much happening around here. We got dumped with about 6 to 8 inches of snow, which is still lying on the ground. It sure does make it beautiful to look out the windows. The temperature has been in the 50's, which makes it nice from the summer months. I love wearing long sleeve shirts and pants. Here is what we have been up to.

Paul and Peter: Very active as usual. They have alittle bit of a runny nose, so we have not been able to get out much. It makes them more active when they don't get any exercise. Paul is talking sentences and is a big help in helping me with Peter. He loves to be able to help and I know that he is going to be a big help when the baby comes. Peter is saying some words and he loves music. He loves when I put on a c.d. and he dances around the house. They are growing so big.

Mommy and Daddy: I have been having morning sickness, I am so hoping that it will go away. I have not been able to eat anything because nothing sounds good or I don't feel like eating. Otherwise, besides being tired, I am doing okay. Joshua is doing well. He is able to work in his violin shop, where his heart truly is. It has been nice to have the techs up to speed so that he can work in his shop. Joshua also helps out in the cell phone side of things as well.

Auntie Mar: is busy as usual run here and there and helping wherever she is needed most. She is a big help to me with the boys, especially since I have not been feeling well. Auntie Mar likes to go to the shop and eat lunch with grandma and help at the shop while the boys are sleeping. She also cooks alot of the dinners here and runs errands.

Grandma and Grandpa: They are doing well. We are all so busy with the shop, but now they are able to take breaks. One of the techs now closes the shop on Wednesdays and they are able to leave at 6 instead of 7. They also have Fridays off. So they are alot more rested and not working so long of hours. Of course whenever they go back in there is always tons of paperwork. They both enjoy the boys are spending time with them before and after work.

We hope that you are all doing well. We appreciate your prayers and friendship although we are far away. God bless you all.

Hi Everyone

Sorry about the posts with no words. I am very tired from the time change and my Peter getting up at 6:00 am. I am not a morning person. So I have been trying to get enough sleep so that I can get up with him. We have also been fighting sickness around here. Paul have the 24 hours stomach flue and we are all fighting something. No one else has had the stomach flue. Please continue to pray for us. We appreciate all your prayers.

Just A Note

Hi everyone,
can you believe that we are in November already?!!!! I sure can't. This year is just flying by. Soon, all too soon, it will be my dad's birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and then the month of June. It seems like it is always full speed ahead as soon as we reach November. I know that I am going to be very busy getting ready for Christmas. Oh, I also wanted you to know that it might take me alittle longer to blog as my sister's computer has something wrong with it, so please hang in there with me. I do try to keep up my blog for you all. I hope that you are all doing well and that you have a blessed holiday season with those you love.


Blessings,

Update On Us

Hi everyone,

Its been awhile since I last updated you on all that is going on. We have been having some cooler weather. I love the fall weather and watching the leaves fall from the trees. Yesterday it snowed ALL day. It was very exciting and I love to watch the snow fall.

Paul and Peter have been keeping mommy very busy. They have been all over the place. It is hard keeping them inside while it is snowing. I usually try to take them to an indoor playground that they have inside one of the malls. That helps alot. Peter is talking more and more and loves to do whatever Paul does. Paul is talking and making more sentences all the time. One of the new things is that we bought some Christian Bible songs for the boys. They love to listen to it and sing along. They even grab books and act like they are reading/singing out of them, just like we do at church.

If you have not heard the big new yet, click here. The biggest news yet is that Joshua and I are expecting our third child. This new little one is due on June 5, 2010. We are so excited although we are going to be extremely busy. Paul will be 3 and Peter alittle over 2. Please pray for us as we prepare for this little one and as we raise our children. The funny thing is is that we just found out that we have no maternity coverage unless something goes wrong, but we can afford a midwife (which is the route that we are going to take). So different from California where we have medical insurance, but could not afford a midwife. Otherwise we are both doing well.

My sister, Marlene is doing well. She has been a good help to me, especially since I am experiencing some morning sickness, not as bad as it has been with Paul. She also has been busy with working at the shop. Marlene drives down and brings dinner to the shop. Then she stays and helps out. Please continue to pray for her and William. To see her blog, click here.

My mom and dad are busy with the shop. My mom and dad have been very helpful with the boys. They love to spend time with both of them and do different things. One of their days off, they took the boys to play and out to lunch. The boys had fun and mommy got a nice break. My mom is still in pain from her neck, so please pray for her. Please also pray that we can get a settlement on the accident, its been over 3 years.

Well, that's it. We hope that you are all doing well. We also pray that God would bless each and every one of you. We miss you all and care for you alot.

Update On Us

Hi, everyone. I hope that you are all doing well. We are doing great and keeping busy as always. The boys sure do keep me busy. They are so active that I have to keep ahead of them (which is not always an easy thing to do). With the cold weather coming I am definitely going to have to keep on top of things, because I can't send them outside to get their energy out. There is a mall that has an indoor playground and I plan on taking the boys there as often as I can so that they can get some exercise. Paul is talking more and more. He is making up small sentences and is interacting with me alot more. I am trying to potty train him, which is not going very well. If anyone has any comments on this, please let me know. Paul is enjoying Peter alot more too. Its fun to see them playing together. Peter is very active and enjoys being outside. I am hoping that this year that will motivate them to play in the snow. Peter has been surprising us by saying some words and making animal sounds. Its cute to see him trying to communicate. I am busy with my two little boys and taking care of the house and everything else. I have begun on my Christmas preparations because I know that I would not have time otherwise. I am not a last minute person, it drives me nuts. I try to go to the shop at least once a week to help out in the violin shop while my sister watches the boys. My sister is busy helping me with the boys and going to the shop to help out. She is such a big help to me and I know that she is a help at the shop as well. She enjoys going to the shop and eating lunch with my mom as well. My sister also helps me take care of the house, which is an extreme help. She has been such a blessing to me. My mom and dad have been busy with the shop and all that that goes with it. They do try to take a day off once a week on Fridays, which they like to go and be gone all day. I am glad that they are able to do this because I know that it is very hectic at the shop. Joshua is also busy at the shop and has been able to work in his violin shop. He has some repairs that he is trying to get finished up. There is a tech working for us that wants to take over Joshua's job, which is good because then Joshua would be able to go full time in the violin side. Well, that's about it. Hope you are all doing good. God bless each and everyone of you.

Please Pray For Me

I am doing better with my cold, and thought that I was over the hump. Well, today I woke up and I could not talk. During the night I had a sore throat and I did not think that much about it. My voice has been going in and out all day yesterday, but I did not think that I would lose it. Oh well, so I am hoping that this will not last long as well and that I will be able to take care of the boys and that they will listen :). Paul thinks that it is funny that I talk in a whisper. He loves to copy me and then he laughs. At least he thinks this is funny. Please pray for the rest of my family. No one else has gotten sick. I appreciate your prayers.

Update On Us

Hi, everyone. I know that I have not written one of these for awhile. We have been so busy that I have completely forgotten to write how we are doing.

Paul- is so active and I have a hard time keeping up with him. He loves to help us by putting groceries away. Paul is always hanging around me when I do craft items. Paul loves to play with Peter and say Peter over and over again. He is speaking alot more and using sentences. Paul is so much fun to play with and cuddle (when he is in the mood :)).

Peter- is also very active. He is starting to run and it is so cute because it looks like he is bouncing. Peter is jabbering alot, but no new words. One praise is that he is staring to get interested in solid foods (he is almost 2). Peter loves to be cuddled (especially when he is teething). He loves to follow and play with his big brother. Peter knows no fear and climbs out of everything (I have a hard time keeping him in and out of places he should or shouldn't be). The only place that keeps him in is his crib (at least for right now).

Amy- Oh right, I admit it. It is becoming harder and harder to remember the boys names and keep them straight. I am enjoying my boys and it keeps me very busy (you think that I would be skinnier). I still am trying to find time for my craft projects (especially since Christmas is coming). This year has just flown by.I don't go many places and like to stay home with my boys. I have not really been up to too much.

Joshua- has been busy running and helping at the shop. He tries to take over once in awhile so that my parents can run errands, have days off, and do things around the house. He is also trying to head over to the violin shop. The techs that we hired are almost up to speed and so Joshua is hoping to be able to head to the other side. He enjoys spending time with the boys and having a day off to spend with his family.

Marlene- as most of you know, the fiancee visa paperwork has been approved. William needs to have an interview and then it will be decided whether or not he can move out. They are very excited. Marlene has been a big help at the shop as well as helping me with the boys. She spends half days at the shop and the rest with me and the boys. Marlene enjoys being an auntie and playing with the boys.

Bob & Marie- were able to go away the second weekend in August to Iowa to visit Bob's side of the family. They had a great time and some much needed rest. They enjoy being grandparents and spending time with the kids. Paul has just began to call them grandpa and grandma. They are still pretty tired as the shop still takes alot of time and energy, but it is going go and keeping everyone busy. Bob and Marie also like to work on the house when they get the time.

I hope that you all are doing well. We love you all and you are all very dear to us. God bless each and everyone of you.

I've Been Hit

I thought that you might want to know that I have reached 2,000 hits on my blog. Thank for caring and keeping up with my family. You are all such a blessing and we love everyone of you. Thanks for all your prayers and support. God bless each and everyone of you.

Update On Pete,Pete

I know that it has been awhile since I updated on how Peter was doing. Not much has happened since that first doctor's appointment to get his ears cleaned. We got a referal to another doctor and to have a hearing test done. We wanted to make sure that nothing was wrong. Peter has been responding alot better. He seems to enjoy life better. He has more fun. Today we went to the doctor's not really knowing what to expect. We were not sure if we were going to have the hearing tests done. We dropped off Paul at the shop so that we could just focus on Peter. The doctor was really nice and he checked out Peter's ears, and throat. He said that everything looked fine and Peter's ears were clean. Then he ordered for us to do some hearing tests. Joshua went in for one of the test and he said that Peter responded to everything that was happening. We both went in on the next one and Peter did well on that one too! Then we had to wait awhile for the results to come back. The doctor told us that everything was fine and that Peter could hear perfectly. So the conclusion is that it was the ear wax build up that was causing Peter not to hear. We are going to keep a better eye on the signs that point to him not hearing and the ear wax build up. We are so thankful that it was nothing surious. We are so pleased. Thank you for all your prayers.

Update On Us

We have been doing fine and keeping busy. My parents and Joshua have been working long hours at the shop and are wearing down. They recently hired three new people to train 2 of the guys will be working full time and one only part time. One of the full time guys is going to be trained to be the manager. We are hoping that we will all be able to take some much needed time off of work. He has had experience working as a manager and worked in a cell phone shop. Please continue to pray that we have wisdom concerning the employees and that we will be able to trust them. I know that I might regret saying this, but we have not been sick for a while now. It is so nice to be able to go somewhere and not think about who might be sick and if the boys will get it. I think that it helps that we have almost been here a year. The boys are growing so fast. Paul is taking swimming lessons and is adding more and more words to his vocabulary. Peter is walking everywhere now. I am having so much fun with the boys. I love being able to stay home with them. My sister is spending more and more time at the shop helping out there. She usually stays home with me until the boys nap time and then goes to the shop until 6:00 pm. I am finding that it is easier to handle the boys by myself. Thank God. I did not know if I was going to be able to handle it. I am doing great, just keeping myself busy with the boys. But I do find time for myself. I also wanted to ask you all to keep in prayer Peter. The past few days we have been noticing that Peter has not been hearing us when we talk to him. It has been hard to discipline him because when I talk to him he does not respond and often goes back to do the same thing again after I do discipline him. I took him to the doctors on Tuesday of last week. She looked in his ears and said that he had a big build up of ear wax in his ears. She has never seen anyone Peter's age have that much build up. I was not that surprised because I have the same problem. She did say that something might be up because he was not responding the way he should. On Monday of this week, I took him in to get his ears clean. My mom and I thought that this would be better than us doing it. I went to the doctor's and he looked at Peter's ears. Guess what! He did not see any ear wax in his ears!!! I could not believe it!! We have been giving Peter some natural medicine and it has been working. The doctor thinks that Peter is doing just fine, but we are still going to do a hearing test for him. That will probably be sometime next week. I will keep you posted. We will also do a wellness check on Peter next month. Please pray that we will find out if anything is wrong with Peter, if their is anything. That God's will will be done and to give the doctor's wisdom. We appreciate your prayers.

Update On Us

We have been so blessed. Times have been tough, but we have been blessed in God providing for our needs and having each other. We are still very busy at the shop. Our two worker, Jeff and Jeff, are not working for us any more. They are planning on going to Ukraine with their families for the summer. Please pray for them, as well as us finding another worker that can take their place. Especially someone that we can trust. It is going to be hard until we find someone, but we know that we can run the shop without help. Please pray for us to have strength and not to over work ourselves. We have someone moving in next to us, after it being vacant since we moved in. The couple is nice, but it is still weird having someone in the house. My sister has been busy helping me with the boys and running errands and going to the shop. I don't know what I would do without her. Especially these last few days. The boys decided to get sick again. Peter started us out with a high fever and being very lethargic. Then he started to get better the next day. Paul decided to follow his example. At first I thought that Paul would not be getting sick, but in the morning he was sick. He was very lethargic, fever, throwing up, and very sleepy to the point of passing out. My mom and I took him to the doctor and we started him on some natural medicine. Paul is doing alot better today. See nothing happens around here :). I am hoping that I don't get sick, or the rest of us. I am very tired and not feeling good from taking care of the boys. Otherwise we are all doing fine. Thank you for all your prayers. We miss each and everyone of you.