A Couple more good ones

Couldn't fit all on the previous email so these go with the post below this one. Joshua needed another blood transfusion today, it went well - hopefully he can start building on his own soon.

Here is new pictures of Joshua (the close up) and Caleb.

Progress!!!

Been a great week - the Boys are doing much better - grown from 3lb 1oz (Joshua) to 4lb 4oz and 3lb 11oz (Caleb) to now 4lbs 8oz. Off of oxygen support, still having a few apnea spells but overall doing very well. They are nursing a little which is fantastic. Shawn is doing much better, more energy and getting back in the swing of things. We have had two close friends/cousins come to help these last two weeks, Alicia (Angel A) and Marissa Cultler (Angel B). They have been our angels, their kind spirits, servant's heart, and just fun attitude have really been a blessing. Also this week, Kiersten and Vicci from our home town, who are good friends of ours came up to see and encourage us. Their trip was a success!:) They also brought many goodies from friends and family in S.D. which was a big surprise.

Long story short, we feel we have been incredibly blessed by God, family, and friends over the last few weeks and are so thankful for the continued prayers. Here are some FUN pictures - shh don't tell, Jacob was able to get a peek at the twins.:)

Double Trouble

Well, here are some new pictures - all the NICU nurses think our twins are identical. They are doing great. Joshua had a scare, the accidently pumped 130CC of fluid into his little body in a period of 1 hour. That is equal to how much blood he has in his body to begin with. So his volume of fluids was doubled! So his heart rate went to 200bpm, and he puffed up. They gave him some drugs to help get the fluids out, and he is now doing well. He is up to 3lbs 15oz and Caleb is up to 4lbs 3 oz so they are growing!

Shawn is doing ok - pray to keep her spirts lifted up - you know how positve and encouraging she is but with all the baby stuff, and then she was rehospitalized because of some complications resulting from her C-Section. She is back home now, but lot of hurting parts and I think she is ready to be healed and have those babies home.

Check out the new pics - keep praying for Shawn and the little guys.

Results from Ultrasound

The doctor said the ultrasound on the babies heads looked perfect! Also today the Dr. was able to get the IV into Joshua's arm. A good day, we certainly feel blessed, and are sooo thankful for all of your continued prayers for babies health and for Shawn's recovery!

Caleb - 1 min younger...than Joshua - can you tell:)

Caleb - you can tell he is a little chunkier, at least 6 oz:)

So are they Identical? What's your vote?

Joshua - Right before mom came home

Well - good chance they are identical twins, but can't know for sure until they do a genetic test. What's your vote?

Update on Shawn and Twins

Well, Shawn is still in hospital - she has toxemia (sp?) from what I understand, her kidneys still not 100% - retaining fluid again and blood pressure up a little . Her intestines are doing better, last night they were hurting a little, but today she ate and seems to be doing fine. Soo if all goes well, and her blood tests look good in the morning, she will get to come home. Twins are doing are ok - Joshua's transfusion is going well - can you believe his tranfusion is about 1 oz of blood!!! Both kids are getting some food for the stomach - about 1 or 2 tsp every 3 hours, big tests tomorrow on brain bleeds - pray for their health, having trouble getting IV in Joshua too - please keep they can get that in soon.
Can't express how thankful we are for all the notes of encouragement and calls. It is also comforting to know so many are praying for us.

Unveiling of the Twins Faces

Yesterday the twins (Joshua left, Caleb right) were weighed so shawn and I were able to see their little faces. Joshua weighing in at 2lbs 12oz and Caleb is 3lbs 5oz. Doing well, may eat today. Shawn was able to hold them yesterday for about 30min.

Pray for shawn's to recover from the Ileus. Also twins have big ultrasound on Wednesday to see if they have any brain bleeding from the O2 they had to have when they were born and for their digestive systems to kick in as they eat for the first time today. If all goes well Shawn may come home tomorrow!

New twins Video

Joshua was born at 3lbs 1oz and Caleb was born at 3lbs 11oz, both were 16inches long.

They were born at 29weeks 5 days old - a tad pre-mature

Joshua came out a crying - which was a great sound - meaning at 29 weeks old his lungs were working - Joshua is all over the place. Caleb in the womb was the big kicker, but now he is a very quite relaxed baby. He came out needing a lot more TLC from the Doctors, his lungs were colapsed not responsive but now is doing great.

One reason Caleb is bigger is that he was taking blood and nutrients from Joshua (who is healthier) Caleb needed it - this condition though is called twin-to-twin tranfusion, which is not good long term, but something God used short term to help out Caleb. This also means Joshua is a little anemic, I will have to give blood probably for a tranfusion for Joshua some time next week.

Shawn doesn't get to give blood. I wouldn't want too after already loosing 3.5liters during hemorage after C-section..... all is well now though!

Thank you soo much for everyone's prayers - please keep them up.

The new twins

Joshua and Caleb, the two warriors, came into the world on Oct 14th. In the thick of it, it was a little nerve racking but God has continued to take care of us - More pics to come, but here are a few for the kindred spirits who aren't quite sold out on Facebook. The belly shots are Caleb, the ones on his back are Joshua. Shawn is doing much better, the C-Section, blood loss etc.. has been tough on her but she is getting better. Both boys are off ventilator and on C-Pat all vitals are great - praise God. Keep praying - they will be there in NICU until December.

Renewing efforts to blog

Fitting time to come on the "blog" scene when Stacey has taking 1.6 million pictures of the Snyders!!!!

Merry Christmas Card 2008

Hello All,

Merry Christmas to all of you! Enjoying a day of relaxation, playing with our new toys, hanging out with family, and celebrating the birth of our Savior.

Also Happy New Year to all of you as well:)

Christmas Eve 2008

Merry Christmas from the Snyders:

Here are some pictures from our Christmas Eve celebration after evening church. We had our traditional potato soup and fixings as well as Michelle incredible banana cream and banana coconut pies. David threw his hat in and made 2 fabulous chocolate pies in as well! After eating - the kids did a white elephant gift exchange -

Great memories and great friends.

Christmas Cheer!!!

Check out this web address - Jacob, Leah, Claire, Simeon, and I are doing a little dances for your entertainment pleasure - have fun and laugh:)
http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/RQOHZRn5liBzploQPAvz

Family Photos

Early Nov. a friend of ours (Stacie Rygh came out and had lunch with the Liang and Rinehardt families. It was that beautiful sunny 60 -70 degree day in November. Something you don't see often. Anyway here is a taste of our family photos. Now that Thanksgiving is over, add 5 lbs to the picture for our current looks:)

Ole' Faithful

This is what happens when Shawn isn't around. Like Clockwork!!! All of a sudden David yelled, Dad come quick its Simeon!! Here is what I came around the corner to. A blow out that beat all others. Coming from a Father of 8, that says something.

And then, David lifted up Simeon's shirt...... enough said....nasty!

Jacob's Fall

Well, once again counting the blessings at the Snyder home. Raven got kicked in the stomach by a horse. She was doing pretty bad, hardly walk at first, but now tonight she seems better, praying she is ok in the morning. Dad says that will be a big sign if anything was ruptured from the kick.
Pictures are of Jacob's hand. He jumped on his horse he rides at our neighbors house, and unhooked the lead rope. Well, that usually works, except someone had also unhooked the reins!!!! Well off they went,

the horse went for the base of a tree with some nice low hanging thick branches. Jacob is more flexible than I thought, he was bent backwords on the horse all the way from the branches, but didn't go off cuz his feet were in the stirups. Well, then after the branches did their number on him, he fell off the left side of the horse, but his left foot was still stuck in the stirup so he got dragged, backwards on his belly. Horse started to buck and as it twisted and kicked, Jacobs foot released from the stirup. Horse could have really hurt him - but just some more battle scars to add to his long list. Well, we didn't take him to ER yet, we were there in August for Nathan (fishing hook in the back of head (past barb), in October for Jacobs freak 24 stiches to his leg, and Titus in October for wheezing bad. So Nov 1, it was almost Jacob's turn again, pretty soon they will have a chair labeled "Snyder's Chair" Remember Tim the Toolman, they always greeted him at ER, I am starting to expect that:)

Halloween 2008

So we had a little fun - went to the Funanzza at Riverside Christian School - played games until my "fun meter" was PEGGED!!! Gather some more morsels from homes along 2nd Ave.

Jacob is Blue Man - no not the suffocating Incredible Hulk - Titus received his yearly upgrade on his batman pajamas, and well I am the "bone digger"... It was funny how many people (that I know) didn't initially recognize me. Didn't plan on that:) Anyway it was fun. Jacob, Nathan, and David all stayed over at friends house - so we will hear more stories - I am sure.....

Pretty Sure I have seen this before, but saw it on Ethan's site today so I put it on mine for a few good laughs..!!!

I think I am going to do #3 tomorrow, how about you?

18 Ways to Maintain a Healthy Level of Insanity:

1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and point a Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See if They Slow Down.

2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice.

3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do something, Ask If They Want Fries With That.

4. Put Your Garbage Can On Your Desk And Label It 'In.'

5. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks. Once Everyone has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch to Espresso.

6. Finish All Your sentences with, 'In Accordance With The Prophecy.'

7. Don't use any punctuation

8. As Often As Possible, Skip Rather Than Walk.

9. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat with a serious face.

10. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is 'To Go.'

11. Sing Along At The Opera.

12. Go To A Poetry Recital And Ask Why The Poems Don't Rhyme.

13. Put Mosquito Netting Around Your Work Area And Play tropical Sounds All Day.

14. Five Days In Advance , Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party Because You're Not In The Mood.

15. Have Your Coworkers Address You By Your Wrestling Name, Rock Bottom.

16. When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream 'I Won! I Won!'

17. When Leaving The Zoo, Start Running Towards The Parking lot, Yelling 'Run For Your Lives, They're Loose!!'

18. Tell Your Children Over Dinner. 'Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go.'p.s.

Lefse with Grandma and Pictures by Titus

David and Grandma spent hours making Lefse, they really had fun together, and we ALL enjoyed eating all the Lefse, with butter, sugar, homemade jelly, more sugar..... the Rest of the pictures are from Titus - he went around the house taking acting shots... not bad for a 6 year old:)

Bridge design -

We had to buy 15 boxes of pudding to make this project, no complaints, and

we are almost out of pudding already:)!!!!

Pictures around the house

You would never guess, some people think I (Paul) and Simeon look alike....Any votes?:)

More Horsing around

We've gotten to know our new neighbor better, Vicki has been very kind to us. She has 7 orf 8 horses and she has been teaching the boys how to saddle up the horses, work the horses, clean up afterwards and the works.... they have been riding quite often - having a blast. Quite a blessing to say the least to get this experience before getting our own horses.... maybe.....

Pheasant season is here! Nathan shot his very first Pheasant and Jacob shot his first pheasant of the season. Jacob's gave them a run for their money - Jake dropped it, and it hit the ground running, they tracked in down and finished the job, but not before Jacob has wounded by the deadly claws of the pheasant.

Cousins over - Wagner Girls...

Wagners came over for the day, we had a blast - hanging out - singing some goofy songs, playing with the new kittens...

Cutler Ranch Fall Family Fun - 2008

Check out the Family Fun we had at the Culture Ranch - Every Fall our family can't wait to go trail riding, see the Cutler's incredible family, play games together, hang out and be refreshed!!


Did I mention see the Cutler family?


Please pray for them, their family is seeking God's direction as they begin to build a bible camp - they still aren't sure what God is planning, but is so fun to see their willingness to go whereever He does lead them!

New editions

A few fun pictures that Stacey took for us of Simeon and our new puppy --- Raven!

Raven is obviously a black lab and hopefully the family hunting dog, guard dog, play dog etc...:)

Crystal Springs Family Camp July 2008

Went to Crystal Springs Bible Camp. What a great weekend - So fun to hang out with family, get some time in God's word, and re-aquaint ourselves with friends from all over the state. Take a look at a few action shots.... Somehow a few of the kids missed getting on film! ARGGG I'll have to get some from Stacey!

So what did we do? Tubing, swimming, family races, a date night, late night basketball and lightning, listen to speaker, laugh, hang out, relax, come to eat (no dishes), see some old friends, meet a few new ones........Come next year - Very affordable and close - Mark your calendar July 24th and 25th weekend 2009!

Junior High Retreat - Jacob's weekend with Friends

Jacob had a great time - Dad went as a helper -Pastor Pat and Ben Jackson did a great job - had great messages for the kids and spent time to connect with them and build relationships....it is obvious how much they care. Thanks Pat for letting me tag along... hope there will be more opportunities in the future!!!

More Danger at the Snyder Place!

After a 1 1/2 years, the kids finally saved up enough for this awesome go-kart!!!! What fun, it can go pretty well, Jacob already knows how to do a 360 spin. And YES we have helmets, thanks to Grandpa and Grandma who brought up our old snowmobile helmets!

We had a fun Mother's Day, Simeon was dedicated at church and we grilled out - steak and brats.

Simeon Robert - New photos

Hi All,
Well, I picked a few photos from the hundreds! that Stacey Rygh so graciously took. It starts out with our quick walk from ER garage to the hopital room -
Simeon is home, safe and sound, actually sleeping. Shawn was glad to be back in her own bed.
You would think I would know better, but here I am typing away - as if the baby will stay asleep all night.......
Enjoy the pictures, I hope this web link works, my first time trying to use kodak.com:)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=mqwldme.56d5epie&x=0&y=ilxlly&localeid=en_US
Thanks for all your prayers and support!
Paul, Shawn and the family!

Simeon crying:)

New Baby - Simeon Robert Snyder

New baby came last night - 80mph, through the ER garage, in by wheel chair, to room at 10pm baby delivered at 10:06pm - WOW!!! Praise God I hit all green lights... I think......

Shawn will be in hospital until Tuesday some time - I will post more pics soon - her room 780-5000 - room401 if you want to call:)

Leah Fun Video

Fun Fun Fun :)

Easter Day!! Snyder Family

Easter Day -the whole family, Left to Right, Nathan, David, Shawn, Leah, Titus, Paul, Jacob, Claire, and John.

Potato Gun and David's 10th B-day

Thank you to all the families that joined us at the Riverside Gym to play tons of dodge ball games it was great! Thank you for the many pressents and also to the Tangsrud family for their awesome potato gun present, WOW, amazing what you can do with some PVC pipe, hairspray, and a potato!!!

Another day at the Snyder house!

Helping Ali B.

Hey All,

Here is David and his Friend Lucas, making chocolate cookie dough to raise funds for a young girl in town who has leukemia. They heard she had spent many days in the hospital and so they wanted to do something to help. First idea was scooping snow, but I am sure all you parents saw the "issues" with that one, well then we got this idea..... Suggested donation of $4.00 for 1 dozen chocolate cookie dough balls!!! Who can resist.... well here we are working on the first 20 dozen, and another 25 dozen to go! Fun to see David and Lucas stepping out to serve and doing what they can! Well, pray for Ali Borgen and her family!!! If you want to know more you can sign in at carepages.com and find Ali.

Sun Dogs of North Dakota -
I love my morning sunrises on my way to work,
These pictures are a glimpse of what I saw.
Click on the picture to have a "blown" up version.

One of many reports that John presents to the whole
family! Afterwards we do the "fish bowl" where each
person says one thing they did well and one area they
can improve on. The only thing the presenter can
say is "thank you"

Nathan and David also did a report and I video taped it, but it was too long so blogspot can't handle the size.....

What's is happening in 2008

Well - the new year has begun, we have been having fun, tonight we played "LIFE" with the 5 boys, playing with them was real LIFE, at times about drove me crazy! Good to just play, have fun, enjoy each other - need to make times to do that so they never forget what it is like and look forward to the next time:)

Other pictures are of Leah, she was feeling sick a few days and the boys held her hand, stroked her head until she actually fell asleep on the couch. Once asleep she slept though David playing the piano 15 feet away! Amazing! Not even a teenager yet.

Well enough for now... Have to go do budget stuff - Nasty job...:) Have a great weekend!

Christmas Break 07' and 08'

Merry Christmas 2007 -

Hello All,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!! We had a blast (see pictures). The older 6 received a sure fire present opportunity - Nurf wars,

Grandpa and Grandma Snyder came up as well as Aunt Alys Snyder - it is always a blessing to have them here. Also on the 24th after church we had the Connolly's here - WoW - what a group, with Shawn and Michelle pregnant, we have 14 kids between the 2 families!

We hope you all find Christmas restful and your new year even better than the last!

Teenager in the House! Jacob's Birthday

Pasture Party

Well this is at the Culter Pature Party- Every year at the end of September (last 3 years) we have been going out to eastern S.D. to spend time with a ton of wonderful people, eat a lot and ride horse - It is fun just hanging out, getting dirty, and goofing off!