change

i'm not the biggest fan of change.  not when the change fits under the "significant" category, at least.  i can handle a wardrobe change, a room layout change, a menu change, or even a hair cut that says "change".  i also love a bed linen change (line-dried! my fave!), shoe change, and perfume change.  when the change impacts my kids in a way that is challenging, i'm not quite as thrilled. 
this past month has put "change" in the  forefront of our minds.  we've learned that the elementary school our four youngest attend is closing.  Temple Christian Academy is finishing off the 2014 year in June and closing its doors.  this is the place all six of our kids went on the first day of JK.  this is the place where our two oldest graduated from.  Adam was set to do the very same just one year from now~ with his original classmates and friends from JK on.  this is the place where friendships have been forged, potential has been realized, sports have been played and class productions have been performed during countless assemblies.  this is the place where the kids have experienced spelling bees, speech meets, wins, losses, class parties, class trips~ lots and lots of great memories.  i have loved this school.  our kids have loved this school.  as i said to someone last week, our children have been "obliviously happy" there, free to grow and thrive and become secure in an environment that fostered this with caring (and patient) teachers along the way. 
so, the school news was a reminder that chapters begin and they also end.  we are so thankful for the twelve years we spent at TCA.  still, we are moving onward with a renewed sense of direction and trust that God is working things out according to His purpose.  the kids are set to go in September and have already enrolled in the public school around the corner.  this means the fall will bring with it a ride on a school bus, every day!  for Layla, she'll attend with her cousin in the same grade!  it will bring bigger classes, a much bigger school, different teachers and new friends to be made.  it will bring highs and lows.  we know this.  yet, in all of the thinking and praying and discussing and deciding we've engaged in over the past few months~ there is underlying Peace.  God knows these four kids better than i.  He will continue to guide our steps as He always does~ right into the halls of the new school.  change.  my acceptance hasn't been instant, but i'm getting there. 
hope the new school is ready for the VanderSlagt crew~ because they're coming! :)