New 2013 Honda Van

We didn't go too far.  Just a newer version of the Honda Odessy.  We weighed out the options, thinking we were going to do an SUV, but we like the room in the van, we still have kids that like to spread out, and then of course there's the cost difference so we went with another van.  I like it.  We got a DVD player this time with 4 headphones so we don't have to listen to their movie.  We can even listen to our own music at the same time.  The back will open by itself which is new.  It will be a great vehicle to get us through the next six, seven, or eight years until our kids are out and we don't need a van anymore.  

Sammy's New Sword

O.K. Sammy has a job, which lets him have a checking AND savings account, which lets him have a debit card, which lets him purchase things on-line. Sammy just bought a real sword! It is a Lord of the Rings sword, with the special writing on it and everything. It came with a plaque to hang on the wall, has it gone up there yet? NO!

Every time I pick him up from school, he wonders why I didn't bring it. He took it to piano to show his teacher, he sent a text picture to everyone that has a phone that will take pictures, etc.... So far, it has put a couple of marks in my wall, and put a nice clean slit in Aliza's scripture bag. It isn't a "sharp" sword either.

Aliza is happy to have it in the house. Now, between dad's bear spray, 22 pistol, and the Lord of the Rings sword, we are very protected. Make sure you call first before coming to our house after dark.

But, if you want to see it for real, he is waiting and willing to show it to everyone. He even let the younger kids hold it right after he took it out of the box. WOW!

One thing he told me he could do with his sword was "cut his wedding cake". I can just imagine.....A Lord of the Rings wedding theme.

Out With The Old, In With The New--Water Heater

Old water heater tank.

New tank less water heater!
NEVER ENDING HOT WATER!!!!!

I have heard about this Rinnai-tank less water heater for some time now, thanks to Glenn Beck. I've been very interested in getting one, but knew they were pricey and didn't just want to get one to get one. Well, a couple of weeks ago, our water heater started a small leak at the top. We called a plumber, who was a very busy guy, and he came over to take a look. He said we would need a new heater, and started telling me some sizes and costs. I asked about the Rinnai, and he quickly said he new a guy in Billings who is certified to put them in and he would have them call me and come take a look. He wasn't able to come until a week later, and said my heater should be o.k. till then. When he came, he told me he would be able to put one in, but not until the next week (this week). He told me to make sure we turned the water off if we were going to be gone for more than two hours and if we were going out of town, just to be safe.

Saturday, we were busy getting ready for Sam's brother and family to come, when I realized the hot water was coming out cold. I told Sam, but he wasn't able to go look at it right away. As I was cleaning, a thought came to me (and I know it was the Holy Ghost) "Go check on the water heater" I asked Jackson to run down and see if there was a flood down there. He came running up and said there was a flood.! We ran downstairs, Sam shut the water off, and that was that. No hot water, on a Saturday I might add, and company two hours away. (there really wasn't a flood, just water spraying everywhere. If we had not checked, or had been gone, there would have been a flood)

Sunday morning I was up boiling water on all four burners, and we were able to take a splash bath in order to get to church. (I'm glad it was not a hair washing day). I was boiling water all day long, for washing dishes, etc.

Monday morning came, and the plumber was able to come at 9:00 and by 2:00 we had hot water again. Sammy was the first to take a shower, before the worker even left.

I am so thankful for hot water, and can't wait to fill my tub up without the hot turning cold.