It's like I've been camping for the last 4 years...
We just installed a new water heater and brought the water pipes up to code. (I don't think a rubber hose connected to the old water heater was good.)
Yesterday we were all able to take showers, run the dishwasher and I didn't have to choose which one of three light and white loads I was going run with warm water. I could do all three!! ... and then finish the dirty pans with hot... really hot water!!! The plummer guys even fixed the toilet, my kitchen faucet and shined up my copper wind chime!! And I couldn't even give them any baked goods!
Little by little, this house is starting to shine.