Others

This picture was taken when Brev went away for a week with Tami to their cabin. I LOVE her smile in the background!!!!

Today marks a sad day for The Vosbergs. It is officially Brevin's and Rowan's last day at Tami's house, their childcare provider since they were both tiny babies. The Bostrom Family is moving to Brainerd to begin a new ministry season and we couldn't be more excited for them, well except for the fact that they are leaving...

What started as an eight week temporary commitment when Brevin was just a baby turned into a 5 year relationship. We found Tami through a dear friend. I had asked Marlene, "Do you know anybody that you would trust and leave your own kids with to be our child care provider to finish out the school year?" She immediately put Tami's name on the table and had us connected the next day. We went to her house and guess what? She had a Dairy Queen cake for us, it was love at first sight!

Tami has been a part of our everyday life. Dropping off. Picking up. And caring for our boys in the hours between. And by caring, I mean all the typical things: feeding, changing, playing, learning and crafts. But there were a few things that always stood out to us about Tami and her time with our boys.

-Tami was like a second mom to our boys. Some moms would struggle with this relationship, but I loved it. I loved that if there had to be anybody else but us caring for our boys that she would snuggle them and truly care about them and their well being. There has always been a bond with her and the boys that we as a family are so grateful for.

-It didn't just stop at Tami, they both have had built in older brothers, John and Mike. I was always amazed at the kindess these two bestowed upon our boys and how often Brevin would come home sharing something he learned from Mike that day about trains or dinosaurs. Also, Big Dave was in and out throughout most days and I know that from the way the boys would high five or hug him that he has played a special role in their little lives too.

-The last thing that stood out to us (and wasn't a prerequisite when we started) is how much my family has learned from them regarding God and faith. One of the books Tami gave me to read is one of the main reasons I worked up the courage to even step foot into a church again. Reading from the Bible and praying was a daily occurrence for our boys while in their house. We are eternally grateful for the values they have helped us instill in our boys.

A few months ago Pastor Bob did a message on parenting. In that message he stressed the importance of having "others" in your kids lives that align with your values and are available for your kids for life stuff. Sitting in church, I immediately thought of Tami and her family and how they play this role right now in our lives. It is hard to think of not walking into their familiar entry way and hearing her laugh each week. It is hard to think of somebody else filling her shoes. But we are certain this bond of their will remain through the miles and years. She and her family are a part of our family history.

We love you Tami and pray that God will use you four something fierce in your new church and community!