Farewell Texas Tech

...a job application just a few weeks ago to the University of Tulsa. Normally university jobs take a very long time to hear back from, often stretching into several months. Not this one. I, Michael, applied, heard from, interviewed with, and received an offer of employment all within a span of two weeks. We've barely had time to wrap our heads around the idea that we are actually moving to Tulsa and will be only an hour-and-a-half from family! We will officially say our farewell to Texas Tech on November 27th, and I will start my new job on November 28th.

When we moved to Lubbock it was just me and Amanda (well, and Sophie--our dog). I didn't have any gray hairs in my beard and Amanda was yet to be Dr. Harrington. Planning to stay in Lubbock for just 3-4 years, we will be leaving Lubbock a little more than 6 years later with 2 children and an extra dog. We have been wanting to move closer to home for a while now (since having kids), but really focused on finding a job in Oklahoma since this summer. Countless job applications, phone interviews, and rejection letters later--the "right one" finally came along. We are so grateful to be moving to Tulsa. Tulsa is the place we have always wanted to live, but never figured we would because the university job market is pretty small. Even writing it now seems surreal--it probably won't sink in until we leave Lubbock for the last time.

Even though we've been trying to figure out how to leave Lubbock for a while now, we are really going to miss it. Someway, somehow we became Red Raiders. Lubbock eventually found its way into our hearts, just like the piles of dirt that somehow find a way into our house. This windswept, isolated, West Texas town was the last place I ever thought we would start a family. Yet, we've made so many memories here. So many good friends (most of which have already left us--you know who you are). So many good co-workers. It's such an easy place to live, and I know I will miss my 10 minute commute regardless of where I'm going. We will be very sad to leave a few people behind, and wish we could somehow figure out a way to move the Hill's with us. C'mon guys, Tulsa needs a Blue Sky or two!

I was talking to Stephanie Rhode, one of my co-workers, today about moving. She was saying how sad it is to know that Kate (and definitely Jude) probably won't remember much of Lubbock or the people that were here. She has such a good memory it hasn't even dawned on me that she really won't have many memories of this place--I don't have many memories from under 3. Stephanie was right, that's very sad.



The Saddle Tramps performing the bell circle during the Homecoming parade. That's Will Rogers (an Okie permanently ensrhined here in Lubbock) wrapped in red crepe paper. His horse's (Soapsuds) rear end points directly to Texas A&M some 9 hours away.



The Masked Rider riding Midnight Matador (Kate knows the horse as Amos--his real name, that not too many people know).



The real Raider Red above, and our live-in infant-sized version below.




We get our Guns Up in the Harrington family! We will be Tulsa fans, but we will still support the Red Raiders.




Kate watching the Goin' Band from Raiderland perform with her classmates. We are going to really miss her and Jude's school.



Jude and Daddy above and the whole family below listening to the band. "Long live the Matadors!"

4th Annual Grandma Debbie Day

...4th Annual Grandma Debbie Day! Taken in context, the above picture is sweet and heartbreaking at the same time, don't you think? This was Jude's first Grandma Debbie Day (outside of the uterus anyway), and Kate was excited to teach him all about it. We were overjoyed to be able to add a new Harrington for Grandma Debbie Day. He is an amazing little boy, and I know mom would have been in LOVE with both of her grandkids.

There are a few traditions that we carry on each year for Grandma Debbie Day, but keep the rest of the day unplanned and just do what sounds fun. For the traditional pieces of the celebration: 1. We started with making a sign for the Komen Race on Friday night. 2. We participated in the race. Kate thinks it is cool that so many people show up every year for her Grandma Debbie Day--this year a little over 9,000 people came out to show support! 3. We buy a book for each kid, because one of my favorite things to do with my mom was read. We spent a lot of time at the library when I was a kid. The good news is that Jude loves being read to, just like his sister. I think Kate could sit and be read to all day, and I think we are getting closer to learning how to read. She is now recognizing a lot of letters and can spell a few simple words. Only a matter of time! 4. We go out to eat somewhere fun. This year we included going to Red Mango for some ice cream...yum!

For the non-traditional, but just as fun parts of the day. This year we included a trip to Toys-R-Us and watched a movie together. In all, it was a very fun day again this year, despite both kids being a little under the weather. In fact, one addition we made to this year's day (that I hope we never repeat) was a late night visit to the ER for Jude because he was having so much trouble breathing. He just had an upper respiratory virus, which is nothing new in the Harrington house. So, here are a few pictures from our annually wonderful Grandma Debbie Day!

Kate was telling Jude all about Grandma Debbie Day, and showing him how many people came out to celebrate.



Oh, that smile. This little boy is a big hit with everybody, but when he smiles like that his mommy (and the women who keep him at the CDRC) is powerless against him.



Kate was excited to start the race. I am equally powerless when it comes to her and her smile.



Kate and I racing...well, more like walking, but it still counts.



Warriors in Pink. Don't we look fierce?



I love these girls! Speaking of looking fierce, Kate got a free "warriors in pink" scarf and it has become a staple around our house these past couple of weeks.



They love each other too.



Our traditional crossing the finish line picture!



This little guy was the hit of the race. At least for everyone who saw him out there. No doubt about it, mom would have been head over heels for Jude.



We are all anxiously awaiting what the 5th Annual Grandma Debbie Day will bring!

Dancing Queen

...Kate's dance class having a visitor's day. Michael, Jude, and I loved watching her dance. She was joined by 3 other girls, Kate, Katie, and Bryce (our Kate is the youngest). One of the grandma's leaned over and told me Kate should do pageants. If only she knew how loaded that statement was! As you will see in the video, Kate dances to the beat of her own drum.