February: Your My Little Valentine

WELCOME BACK!
In January we "started the year off right"...with a post for the month's activities. Now we are getting into "Your my Little Valentine"! Does that song sound familiar to anyone?

The month of February has been an exciting one, so make sure you don't miss a picture or a paragraph.... and here we goooo!

1st: We started the month off with an introduction. We met Kayla, Michael's new girlfriend. We met at McCallister's Deli for lunch after church. Not a good first impression i'm afraid---we were late! We got hung up after church with questions from interested folks from church wanting to know about our Washington Heights experience. Dave finally said we had to go and made our apologize. We got to McCalister's at 12:45p.m. and Kayla had been there waiting on us since 12:30p.m.

Our lunch went really well. She was very nervous but I give her mucho kudos for being willing to meet us by herself...without Michael. She had been telling Michael how anxious she was to meet us, and she called us to make arrangements for the get together. As I said, she is a very nice, sweet, young lady. Dave invited her to the house this evening to watch the Super Bowl with us. She did come over and we spent the majority of the evening looking at photo albums and talking and just getting to know each other. We missed most of the Super Bowl-we came in on the 4th quarter. Well, atleast we saw the best part.

See Kayla, I told you we don't bite!

2nd: Brittney came home from school at 2:00p.m. and I reminded her, as I was going out the door headed back to work, that today was the last day to register for the "Southeastern University Preview Days". She had been struggling with whether or not she was going to go to the preview days. Her heart was set on checking out Southeastern but she had gotten some disappointing news that made her question her decision. Finally she decided to give it a shot and she registered today.

3rd: TODAY IS GRACES BIRTHDAY! Happy Birthday Gracie I hope your day is a special one and filled with laughter!

5th: Gina agreed to care for the animals for us and so we left early this morning headed for Lakeland, Florida. We are on our way to Southeastern University. We arrived at the campus on time, we found a parking spot and headed for the registration building. The campus is absolutely beautiful.

We started off looking around the campus and getting some information like a campus map and an itinerary. Then we checked out the bookstore. We had arrived about 15 minutes early and had some time to spare. Finally it was time to check in. They gave us our food voucher (a wrist band for Dave and I and a name tag for Brittney). Then they assigned Brittney a room for the night in one of the Dorms (Bethany Hall)with a hostess (Natash Gross). Next we went and got some lunch at the Tuscan Ristorante. This is their equivalent to the cafeteria only so much better than cafeteria food. We ate our lunch then we headed back to the car to collect Brittney's sleeping gear and took it to the tent where they will hold her sleeping bag, blanket and overnight bag for her until it is time for her to check into the dorm later in the evening. Finally we started down the itinerary...

We reported to the Student Activities Center for the Opening Session. We found out about all of the activites they have on campus for the students throughout the year in order to keep them involved in campus life. Then we went to the Faculty Reception that got moved to the Tuscan Ristorante because it was to cold to have it outside as originally planned. This was were Brittney got a chance to speak with one of the professors about her major. She was invited by the professor to shadow her class. Next the parents were sent to have dessert with the President of the University while Brittney went to the "Student Session with their Admission Counselors". I can only tell you that the desserts were INCREDIBLE and the information we received from the President of the university was extremely useful. It answered many of our questions.

Next we met back up with our baby girl in Bush Chapel for a Worship Service with Dr. Mark Rutland-The same guy we had just had desert with-President of the University. The praise music was incredible, the presidents message was awesome, the entire experience was something I can not even begin to try to explain to you.

Next, we took Brittney to the luggage pick-up area because it was time for her to meet her hostess. We walked her to the dorm and met her hostesses for the evening and we made a quick exit. We did not want to linger too long and embarrass our girl. We agreed to meet at the Tuscan Ristorante for breakfast at 8:00a.m. After we left her she went on to enjoy a gathering they had going on around a bon fire. She got to cook smores and get a taste of college life.

6th: Day two at Southeastern University. We met up with Brittney as planned for breakfast. Wow! If she gets to eat like this everyday she will not want to come home. Their food is way better than what we cook at home. By 9:00a.m. we were to report to Bush Chapel for a "Faculty Forum". This was a debate type of setting with some of the professors over the topic "Once Saved Always Saved". The discussion was designed to get you thinking and that it did. I'm jealous...to be in this type of environment everyday would be such a blessing. I know that Brittney felt the same-she is very excited about Southeastern.

From there Brittney went on to a class visit with the professor she had met yesterday. While Brittney was in class, Dave and I enjoyed a time of relaxation in one of the plaza's on campus. Huge, old trees, benches, a fountain, the florida sunshine with a bit of a cool breeze blowing-Heavenly! We finally went on to the bookstore were we promised to meet up with her when she was finished. I came across two students in the bookstore and we got into a conversation, soon Brittney came along and we were all talking. Before we knew it we had to get going because it was time for us to head upstairs to the Sawgrass Suites in the Pansler building for a meeting-Admission/Financial Aid Information Session. The information they provided was easy to understand and extremely informative, but we don't have to worry about alot of that right now because Brittney still has one more year of school before she is ready to go off to college. Atleast we know what is available to us right now and what we can get a jump on for later.

Next we got to go back to the Tuscan Ristorante for lunch. I was not hungry yet, after that big breakfast, but I was not about to pass up this opportunity for another incredible meal and I was not disappointed. After lunch we reported back where we started at the "Student Activities Center" for the closing Session. We were asked to fill out a survey at the end and if we turned in our survey we got a free t-shirt. So, we all went home with a very nice, free t-shirt.

By 3:30p.m. we had finished up our business at Southeastern and we were headed home. Well, I can tell you, Brittney is excited about the university and so are Dave and I. We have our work cut out for us getting her the grants and scholarships she will need to make this dream happen. If this is God's will for Brittney's life we will do our part and do everything we can to make it happen with God's help.

7th: Today is Clives Birthday! Happy Birthday Clive, I hope you have a very blessed birthday today. How old are you now-96?

8th: Today is Sunday. I managed to make it to sunday school with Dave and Brittney this morning. Usually I meet up with them for church but we had a teen auction to prepare for this morning. Dave gave me about 15 minutes of his class time so the students that were up for "redemption" would have a chance to make a sign to hold up during the auction.

I got up in front of the church and announced the winners of the M.T.V. (Making Teens Victorious)session, then I broke the news to the congregation that some of our teens would need some help making it to Epcot in March because their team did not win. Then I had the students in need of tickets to stand before the congregation with their signs. I had a sign up sheet in the foyer for those interested in "Redeeming" a teen. We had an outstanding turnout. The teens got more than the $60.00 dollars they needed for their ticket. Now they have to earn the money by doing those chores needed by the people that redeemed them.

We have such a giving and loving church. They really do love the teens and show their support anytime we ask for help!

I did not go to church this evening. I have not been feeling well since Thursday and knowing that I need to be ready for the work week I opted to stay home and rest and get to bed early. Dave and Brittney headed to the evening service. They are going to be participating in a play at Easter time and they needed to show up to get their parts tonight. I can't wait to see this play...my hubby and number one daughter will be in it!

10th: February is always a big month for birthday's in this family! Happy Birthday William! You are having to celebrate so far away from home but you are in our thoughts and prayers especially on your special day, the big 2-1. Congratulations!

Tonight is the womens meeting at the church again. We played a fun ice breaker game that helped us all get to know each other better. They reviewed last meetings highlights then introduced some new business. The director of the womens group announced some openings they were looking for help in, then the meeting was wrapped up with upcoming events. Trisha Bruce has got a good grip on this womens group and where she sees it going. I wish her the best of luck in this endevour. She is a God send!

11th: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHAEL! Today my baby boy turns 22. He is celebrating his second birthday in Iraq. I love you son and we all miss you terribly. Can't wait to see you in May! Be safe until then and keep your head down.

9th-13th: I worked all week this week. Gina has been stuck in bed all week with a bad case of the flu. I did not mind, the paycheck will be nice. However, it has made for a long and tiring week. We have a busy weekend planned with the teens. I just ask the good Lord for strength to make it through.

14th: Happy Valentines Day everyone!

We started our day with enjoying breakfast together at the table. Then we all brought our gifts for each other out to exchange. It was nice, Brittney got some perfume she has been wanting as well as a gift certificate to Starbucks and some of her favorite chocolate candies. She also got a bag of chocolate covered popcorn from Petersbrooke chocolates-her favorite.

Dave spoiled me...he got me a few movies I had been wanting-"Pilgrim's Progress and Bella" as well as some of my favorite candy (bonbons). We also got new outfits for our Build-A-Bears we had bought for one another over the years. Our bears had been wearing the same outfits now for 2-years or more. They appreciated the new clothes.

I got Dave a Starbucks gift card and his own bag of chocolate covered popcorn also. He would have been convincing Brittney to share her's if he had not gotten his own. But this was only the beginning of our Valentines Day gifts. Tonight we were going to....

Winter Jam!

I have been waiting for this day for weeks. Brittney had to work this morning, so I dropped Dave at the church to collect the teens. Dave then met up with Brittney and I at Family Christian (where Brittney works). After dropping Dave at the church I went on to Brittney's work to deliver her lunch and give her time to change her clothes before the church van met up with us.

We left Brittney's work and headed onto the Veterans Memorial Arena for Winter Jam. At the beginning of the concert they called all of the youth pastors, workers or directors to meet them at stage right for a meeting. Toby Mac, Family Force Five and Brandon Heath met with us and shared their testimonies and said "Thanks" to the youth workers for what we do. I brought Brittney down with me. She is the teen groups NYI Vice President and she does alot of work in this capacity for them. She has also been interested in becoming a youth worker/youth pastor in her future so I figured it would be good for her hear what they had to say. To personally hear the artists saying thanks for all we do.

The entertainment was incredible and all of the teens had a great time. Kayla (Michael's girlfriend) came with us and enjoyed getting her "crunk on" with the rest of the teens. What a fun night!

We wrapped up the evening with dinner at KFC. This gave the teens an opportunity to talk with each other and share with each other their favorite parts of the evenings entertainment.

16th: Tonight was "Heaven's Gates, Hell's Flames". I did not think my teens would be interested in doing this again this year because we went last year. I was wrong. We took the church van as well as my car in order to fit all of the adults as well as teens that were interested in going to see this production. We had 18 in all that went from our church. The production was not a disappointment. If you hear of this production in your area, I encourage you to make every effort in going to see it. You will not be disappointed.

16-18th: Monday morning came before I knew it and it was time to get back into my weekly routine. My work week was pretty uneventful for the most part except Gina was back at work today! My cell mate, my buddy, my partner in crime-hehehe. We keep the doctor on his toes!

Wedneday night was teen night. We met at the church and continued our study on "Paul in Rome". This study has encouraged much discussion. I do not see how it is possible to get through one lesson in an hour. We are only able to get through about half of the lesson each week because of the discussion time. I don't want to cut the discussion time short because that is what it is all about-iliciting emotions concerning the topics of discussion. This has been great!

19th: I wanted to take advantage of the fact that we had nothing planned for today. As soon as Dave and I got up we got started on cleaning. We got through our bathroom, bedroom and the livingroom before we ran out of day. I felt we accomplished alot and felt good about what we got done.

20th: We started off the morning cleaning again. I finished vacuuming Michael's old room (which is now our guest room). We had done a little more decorating in this room, trying to get it finished. Then we moved onto cleaning the guest bathroom. Once we got through with that it was time to get ready to go out...We had a date!

We were invited to the Scottish Kins house for dinner this evening. It has been a while since we have been able to visit with Bill and Isobel. Isobel is finally on the mend thank the Lord. She has had a terrible time with a bought of the shingles. It has taken it's tole on her but she looked better this evening. They provided an incredible meal (those Scott's sure can cook), dessert was included. And Bill Hogg actually enjoyed a nice cup of hot tea with me. Finally someone to drink tea with me! I love it...Thanks Bill and Isobel-we sure missed you both.

26th: Byron and Connie came into town today. We have been trying to get them to come to the Scottish Games Festival for the past two years. This year they finally decided to check it out and see what it is all about. Bill and Isobel got the tickets for all of us.

28th: Today is the day we have been waiting for, "The Scottish Games Festival". We met Bill and Isobel at Starbucks in Green Cove Springs. We enjoyed a nice breakfast then went on to the fair grounds for a day of fun and excitement. So much to see that it is hard to pick just a few. We enjoyed the opening festivities with the Southeastern Navy band opening things up for us. Once they finished we watched the clans come in one at a time. Then there was a production of all of the clans bands. The sound of the bagpipes is always such a treat. Then the closing of the opening festivities as each of the clans bands filed out of the arena and then lastly went the Navy band. We always enjoy the opening festivities. Next Bill, Dave and Byron went on to enjoy the tossing of the cabor, hammer throw and the bagpipe bands practicing and they watched the Scottish Sheep dogs chasing the ducks. Isobel, Brittney, Connie and I took in some of the Highland dancing and of course we enjoyed the shopping at the different booths. The food was very good as usual and the stawberry and scones was fantastic. I always eat to much at this festival because I just want to try as much as I possibly can. The lines at each of the food stands were outrageous, if it weren't for that I probably would eat myself sick. I did not get to try to the Scottish Eggs yet. I think I will save that for next year. We had a wonderful time and of course we always enjoy the company of our Scottish kin. They are very good tour guides as well. Well, until next year!

That finishes up the month of February. I hope you all are enjoying this blog of the Cowan family from Jacksonville. Some months can be a bit hecktick and this month was one of them.

See you next month! ;)