February: The Longest Shortest Month

Back in August, I tried to get tickets for me and Bella to see Taylor Swift when she comes to Indy in November. I made it through the first round with a code, but spent an hour in the Ticketmaster que and all the tickets got snatched up just as I made it to the front of the line. I was devastated. My upset feelings were definitely larger than the situation called for, which got me thinking. I was bummed about not getting to see the concert, but I was even more sad about not getting to share a fun experience with Bella. I comforted myself with the reminder that, just because Taylor Swift wasn't an option, didn't mean we couldn't do something else. So, I got back on Ticketmaster a few days later and discovered the show "Hairspray" was coming to Purdue in February. When Bella was younger, she LOVED this movie and music. I bought these tickets back then in August and we saw the show on February 10th. We had a great time and I'm looking forward to many more experiences together in the future. 

I only took a couple photos on Valentine's Day. I set up a little mocktail bar on the bistro table and here is Curtis enjoying his strawberry concoction. 

As always, I made a couple heart-shaped pizzas. 

Bella was surprised at a Hasuer boys basketball game for being recognized as the recipient of the John Baute Future Jets Scholarship!

Later that evening was the Hauser winter formal. She and Sam looked so nice together. 

They met up with some friends for dinner and then made their way to the dance.

Graydon was a little undecided about the formal at first, but he and some friends decided to go and he ended up having a fun night. These guys are a bunch of goofballs. 

It was one of those days when I brewed some coffee at school and forgot to put my mug underneath. Nothing like leaving to use the restroom and coming back to coffee all over the table. 

Bella participated in the annual FFA Broken Bucket Basketball Game where FFA students from Hauser compete against FFA students from Columbus. Hauser came up just a few points short, so the bucket stays with Columbus. 

The FFA chapter here is really strong with lots of student participation. In our family, both Bella and Curtis are members. 

The seniors!

Bella had her last basketball banquet on February 29th. This officially concludes her basketball career. Here she is with her head coach, Coach Shipp. He's been a fantastic coach and is doing an amazing job at building the girls basketball program. 

Coach Chumbley and Coach Barriger are two coaches who have been with Bella since she started playing for Hope Elementary in 5th grade. It's been really special that she's been with them for the past seven years. 

And we took a few photos with teammates. 

It was a big night of awards for Bella. She received plaques for: Most Rebounds, Most Assists, Jet Mental Attitude, Co-Most Valuable Player, All Sectional Team, and Scholastic Award. She works hard at everything she does and keeps a positive attitude while doing it. Well done, Bella! She was also given her jerseys and warm-up clothes. 

We had a spirit week for Read Across America Weeek and one of the dress-up days was Team/Sports day, so I wore one of Bella's jerseys.  

The boys had their spring band concert. I only took one photo of the band because neither boy sat in a location that allowed us to see them. 

I have so many photos of them dressed in black together after a band concert. Here is my newest one to add to the collection. 

Curtis also had his basketball banquet this past week. 

He was recognized with the Hustle award. He got this award for always showing up, working hard, exhibiting that hustle mentality, and getting the job done. Super proud of him! 

I'm not sure how many photos I have of Mabel like this. She is the reason our bed often looks unmade. We call this her little nest. Queen Mabel. What a life she has. 

We are on Spring Break this week. No big plans, just staying home. When we return to school, we'll be in the fourth quarter. Typically, that's exciting; but I have mixed emotions about the school year ending since this is Bella's senior year. I'm not going to get too far ahead of me just yet. There is a lot to look forward to in these next two months. Tennis and track seasons are upon us! 

Solo & Ensemble and Honors Breakfast

While we were on the cruise, Graydon participated in the Solo & Ensemble contest. I hated to miss this. Last year, the competition was in February so, when we scheduled our cruise last May, the last weekend on January looked like a good option. Thankfully, my mom was here to take him. Graydon and his group got gold! 

All three kids were invited to the Honors Breakfast at school. This is a breakfast to recognize all students with perfect attendance and who were on the Honor Roll. Bella and Graydon both had all As and perfect attendance. Curtis also had all As, but missed some school due to having COVID in November. We are so proud of each of their hard work and effort!

Curtis also played his last basketball game of the season this week. (This photo isn’t from that game.) Curtis is super bummed. He loves to play! We’re going to have to find some other opportunities for him to play in the off season. 

And now. . . A little bit of down time until the spring sports schedule gets going next month. 

Sectional Game/The End of an Era

Bella played her very last basketball game ever last week. It was the sectional game, so in order to continue, they would have needed to win this one. At the beginning of the game, they had the seniors from both team meet with the officials. 

Bella was our team’s only senior playing. We started the season with three seniors but lost the other two to injury and health concerns. This team experienced a lot of illness and injury this season which created some challenges. A lot of younger players were able to get some good varsity experience, which will ultimately end up strengthening this team in the years to come. 

“A Senior. . . #4. . . Bella Kilps!!!!”

The girls were up at the end of the first quarter and down by four points at half time.

They couldn’t quite  bridge that gap in the second half and the final score was 36-47. Bella played a great final game. She was the team’s leading scorer with 13 points. I’m not sure how many rebounds or assists she had; but she went out on a really good note. With a few seconds left in the game, they had all seniors on both teams leave the court. That’s when the big emotions really started. 

Super proud of our #4. 

The junior high girls came to watch and a few (plus the coach’s kids) joined them in the locker room after. 

Bella and the Manley girls. Abby and Leah are freshmen. Bella has known them forever since we all go to church together. It’s was special that they were all able to play together this year. 

And just like that. . . after over eight years, Bella’s time playing basketball has come to an end. I am going to miss watching her play.