Just guessing here, but having your husband replace those holy hoses should clear up your problem with the brakes. Your are/probably loosing vacuum to the brake booster with the one hose. The other hose probably isn't as bad (ecm related) but does need to be replaced.
The real question is how the heck did the holes get in the hoses in the first place?
...and the power steering switch for $1500
Find yourself another dealer.