Good Bye EWU

 2 1/2 years ago I decided to change careers and go back to college to pursue a nursing degree.  My journey would take me through 4 colleges...  I spent the first 1 1/2 years taking classes from Spokane Falls Community college (which I originally attended right out of high school and received my AA degree) and Spokane Community College.  While at the community colleges I was able to mostly take night classes, so Connor wasn't in a daycare regularly.  After completing my pre-requisites for nursing school through the community college I put my name on the waiting list for the community college nursing program.  This wasn't my first choice, but a good back up plan.  The wait list is 2 years long.  Then I transferred to Eastern Washington University, where I have been taking their additional one year of pre-requisites for the WSU nursing program.  EWU, Whitworth and WSU all combine for their nursing program, which is ran by WSU and students graduate with a Bachelors in Nursing vs. just a nursing certificate from the community college (which is why EWU requires an additional year of pre-req's).  The EWU, Whitworth, WSU nursing program is very competitive though.  Some students apply year after year and never get accepted (which is why I put my name on the community college wait list as a backup plan).  The first step in the application process is to complete an on-line application, send in transcripts and get 3 professional references.  Over 100 EWU students applied and only the students with an accumulative GPA above 3.5 and a pre-requisite GPA well above 3.5 got interviews.  The interviews were held around Easter (which is why I missed the Easter Egg hunt with Connor and Jason this year).  I was one of the lucky 30 EWU students who were offered to attend the WSU nursing program this fall!  This will be my fourth school on my journey to my bachelors in nursing degree.  I'm very excited!  WSU has a fantastic nursing program.

I am also thrilled that EWU invited me to join their Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.  Only the top 2% of the Junior class get invited to join.  This is a big honor showing academic success.  My nursing pre-requisites GPA is 4.0.  My accumulative GPA (which also includes 3 years of college right out of high school) is somewhere around a 3.8.  Yes, I'm very driven and with a competitive program like nursing... I have very high expectations of myself and I work hard to be in the top of each class I take.

 I received a medallion and certificate from the Phi Kappa Phi Honors committee

 Jason and Connor came to the reception with me.  At the end of the ceremony, the announcer asked if he had forgotten to call any one's name... to which Connor raised his hand.  The announcer laughed and said "we have a future Phi Kappa Phi member."  I think Connor was a little bit bummed that he didn't get honored with his own medallion.

 But he was thrilled to borrow mine.  Looks great on you Connor.  I hope someday you can earn your own!

 Me with my certificate and medallion

 A few pictures of EWU's beautiful campus as I say Good Bye to EWU and hello to WSU!

 one of the main brick walkway's that is packed with students in between classes.

 JFK Library, where I have spent many hours studying

 Fountain leading to "the mall" which is the central spot on campus and where all the fairs are held.

 looking at JFK Library and the fountain

 the old school house

 another fountain and study area.  The boy statue sitting on the bench with the laptop was always wearing an article of clothing.  During the winter he usually had a scarf and hat on.  He is currently sporting a pair of socks.

 My friend Kaitlin, whom I met the first quarter I was at EWU, in a Women's Study class.  After that class we took Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry together.  Like myself, Kaitlin is a serious student who studies hard.  I've enjoyed studying and visiting many hours with her.

A statue in front of Monroe Hall.  EWU has a beautiful campus and in many ways I will miss my time there, but I'm looking forward to getting to know the WSU River Point campus for the next two years.

Staci & Tony's BBQ

Staci and Tony always have the best BBQ parties!

 The boys chillen' out by the fire pit

 Me and Connor snuggling on the couch

 Mr. Rocco

 Gunner

Staci, Connor and Rocco

Sue's Visit

Jason's sister Sue and her boyfriend, Jon came over for a visit.

 But first Connor made some pine cone bird feeders for our bird habitat...

 Then he gave Aunt Sue a golf lesson...  "This is how you do it aunt Sue"

 And he had to show her how fast he can ride his bike now

 Connor's slam dunk

 Then the competition broke out...

 The cheering section: Sawyer and Connor

 Connor's tactic when he's not getting enough face time with Aunt Sue... bring out the sweet ride.

 More golf in the backyard

 Aunt Sue rolling our golf target down the yard and showing she can run through the hoop as it rolls.

Jon playing golf with a slight handy cap =)

Seeing things through new eyes

Yes, Jason has a new pair of eyes! He's been contemplating Laser Eye Surgery for the last couple years.  He's worn glasses/contacts since the 7th grade.  His prescription is something like -4.50, which is basically blind since he can't see more than a foot in front of his face without glasses/contacts.  Well, not anymore!  He took the plunge and finally had the surgery done.  This is the last picture anyone will ever get of Jason with glasses.  The surgery only takes 15 minutes per eye.  Connor and I picked him up after school.  His eyes were blood shot, watery and sore for about 12 hours. 

 He has to wear these goggles to bed for the first week to make sure he doesn't rub his eyes.  He has 2 medicated drops to take 4 times a day and saline drops every hour.  This picture was taken a few hours after we got home from his surgery.  He looks drugged or grumpy, but this was actually the second picture I took and the flash hurt his eyes.  His eyes were really sensitive for the first 12 hours.  And then the next morning he was completely fine!  Connor and I drove him back to the doctors office the next morning for his check up (and to get his car).  He now has 20/20 vision!

 We noticed a bird made a nest in our bird house, so Jason and Connor decided to expand our bird habitat.

 Connor with his handy dandy helper hat

 The original expansion... but Jason wasn't happy with the look

 So, he replace the original pole with a matching one.  I think the birds are happy with their new habitat.  My dad (Grandpa) actually made the bird houses for us last year.

 Connor's been asking me to paint his nails every since Mother's Day.  Ryan had his nails painted (thanks to his two older sisters).  Jason surprisingly went along with the idea.  So, Connor picked out red, black and purple nail polish.  We painted both his index finger nails purple, 2 toes on his left foot red and a purple and black on his right foot.  His feet are extremely ticklish, so after 4 toes he called it good enough.

 Our amazing next door neighbors (Jon and Vicki) invited us over to celebrate Jon's graduation from the Blind Institute. Jon has diabetes and was on dialysis for years.  Shortly after his kidney transplant he lost his eye sight.  The Blind Institute gave him the skills so he can enjoy the activities he did before losing his sight.  We look forward to seeing Jon on the golf course and fishing this summer.
The kids all took turns playing golf on their wii.  This is the first time Connor's ever played the wii and he did fantastic.  I'm amazed at how quickly he picks things up.  He seems to be a natural at most sports and computer related activities though.

 The 3 amigos!  Connor, Max and Sawyer

Max and Sawyer are Jon and Vicki's grandkids, who are both 3 months older than Connor.  The 3 kids get along so well.  Somehow I neglected to take any pictures of the adults at the party... we had a great time though!

Mother's Day

We went out to breakfast with my family for Mother's Day.

 From the back right around the table: my mother Donna, myself, Connor, Asia (Alivia's friend),  Madison, Jason, Alivia, Laura, Ryan, John and my dad Jon.

 The two cutest little boys in the world!  Connor and Ryan

 My parents.  Happy Mother's Day mom!

 After breakfast we went back to my brothers house to visit for a bit.  My brother, John and my father, Jon.

 The boys got some more time to play together.  We don't get to see them nearly as often as we would like during the school year.  It's difficult to find the time between all our schedules.

 Ryan showed Connor his new trick on the trampoline.  Alivia taught him to jump up and down a few times and then kick his legs straight out in front of him and bounce once on his butt and then return to jumping.  He was so proud of his new trick.

My boys got me a card and plant for Mother's Day.  Thank you boys!