How Much???

 

I took the van in to the dealer to have them look at our sliding door handle to find out what part they need to fix it.  It's obvious that there is simply a pin missing.  Sounds rather simple, eh?  No.  The part they need to replace is the door handle.  Ok, how much could that be?  Good news is the labor is only $109.  The bad news is the part.  WHAT???   $154???  Grand total of $263 and in small print is "+ tax".  Ok, so for only $282 dollars, we can get a new door handle on our 7-year old Honda Odyssey. 

So, I'm thinking surely our guy who does body work can do better.  Well, he will only charge $137 for the part, but his grand total was a whopping $317.  He explained that our paint is complicated.  Something about being 3-steps instead of the usual 2-step which is why it is a pretty color.  Remind me next time to get an uglier vehicle. 

I'm now attempting to locate a used door handle which will probably be similar to hunting for a needle in a haystack. 

More Flood Pics

 

Sierra's ophthalmologist's office was in the 2nd building.  He has relocated. 

Jeff's brother's office was in the basement of the building below. 

 

Used cars for sale?   New upholstery? 

New Project

We've started a new project.  This weekend we hope to install new flooring in Sierra's room.  Tonight Jeff removed baseboard and doors.  I stripped most of the border from Sierra's room.  We are upgrading her from a nursery to a little girl's room.  She is temporarily moved into Sean's room.  The plan is to finish her room, move both kids into her room, then do Sean's floor.  His room will not be repainted.  If all goes well with that, we might move into Sean's room temporarily so that we can do our room.  All this flooring work is in the interest of our health.  Dust mites be gone! 

I thought I would post a few flood pictures.  We know so many people and businesses that have been impacted by the flood that we just feel so blessed.

  

Update

Sean has a new word in his vocabulary and it is my fault.  I bought some Lego car sets at a good deal to let him assemble when he needs something constructive to do.  I explained the other day that they are for when he is "bored".  I knew I was in trouble when he asked what that meant.  Now, the past two mornings, he has been complaining to me just how bored he is.  I haven't caved yet so he is still having to find something else to do. 

At the gymnastics center today, Sierra asked me if I wanted to play "I Spy".  I thought, wow, that is pretty good for a 3 year-old initiating a game like that.  But then she went first and, while looking straight at a mural on the wall, she said, "I spy a monkey hanging from a tree."  Then I learned later that Daddy plays that game with her when he takes her.  Oh well. 

Sometimes after gymnastics we will go to our favorite restaurant.  Unfortunately, due to the flood it is closed.  It was not flooded but it is a small family-owned restaurant so someone close to the owners must have had some flood damage.   The kids have not asked for Burger King since learning it is closed due to flood damage.  I haven't reminded them that we have another one close to us. 

Grab some tissue

http://www.curesearch.com/

Happy Boy

Sean was thrilled that Daddy put the caps in his cap gun. There's something about boys and guns that is natural. His other favorite activity this weekend was shooting his super soaker squirt guns.

Warm day.... Cold Treats