Maddox 1st Bday

Aliah

Aliah

Aliah 1st Steps

Aliah 1st Steps

Maddox 1st Bday

Alicia Down the Great Wall of China

Brooke and Kalli

Conversation Between Me and My Wife

Preamble:
I've been watching what I eat, trying to eat healthy food.
I get home after church on Sunday and see wrappers for Culver's. (I go to the reservation with my son Noah, 15-year-old, and teach Native American children. My wife goes to our church here in Yankton and takes our younger children.)

Me: "How do you rate going to Culver's?"
Kim: "Kalli wanted to use her allowance to get lunch."
Me: "And you didn't ask me if I wanted something?"
Kim: "I figured you didn't want to eat that type of food."
Me: "You could have asked if Noah wanted to get something."
Kim: "He's saving up for Youth Convention."
Me: "You could have still asked."
Kim: "So you could tell me no?"
Me: "Yes."
She laughed.

Dinner with One Topic

We planned a meal last night--fried chicken. Invited were my mom, and my older kids and their children.

After supper and dessert, we had one discussion.  (I planned it that way, and I let everyone know what the topic was going to be.)

I need to give a little background before going into the topic. My dad died when I was 11 years old. I had two brothers and one sister.

The topic was Arthur Tramp, my dad. I asked my mom if she was comfortable talking about him, and she was excited to do it. For nearly an hour, we discussed his life, asking her questions. I found things about him I didn't know. It was a fun time.

Her description of him reminded me of June Carter Cash's view of Johnny Cash, which was of high honor.

Wonderful Weekend

Kim and I had a wonderful weekend. It was one of those times that coming home was difficult. It was nice to be alone with each other.

We saw a couple of movies: Mission Impossible and War Room. Both were really good, the later excellent.

The picture is one of the falls park. Sioux Falls, SD was hit with 7 inches of rain in a very short period of time. The falls were flowing in a roar.

We went to Brazilian, Vietnamese, Mediterranean and Italian restaurants, so we were culturally rounded.

Want to see videos of the Falls? See my Facebook page.  https://www.facebook.com/randy.tramp

Adoption

The book I'm reading now, Reunion by Karen Kingsbury has a section that has parents adopting a child and the pain of when the adoption falls through.

It reminded me of our experience. A couple decades ago we entered foster care with the intention of adopting a brother, 6 months and sister, 1-year-old.

The process started, and we were almost ready to finalize when another relative became available. We were devastated and went into a time of deep pain. Well, long story short, the relative didn't work out, and we adopted the two kids. But that time of pain became a birthing process and we bonded deeply with the kids.

Sponge Bob in Prison

Yesterday, when my five-year-old, Dennis the Menace type, little boy was supposed to be sleeping he went into his sister's room and messed it up. The worse part about it was he destroyed her legos. Kalli had spend hours with a friend constructing the small pieced models. I'm not sure it can be reconstructed because the instructions are gone. I'm going to go online to see if I can find something.
But I have to discipline. My solution: Aaron will give one of his favorite things to Kalli. Kalli in return will keep the sponge bob pillow until she feels Aaron has learned his lesson. I know I can hear, "OH NO NOT SPONGE BOB." Yes, the creature under the sea will go into prison until parole is granted.

Kid's Apps hat Educate (and Entertain.)

The Bible app helps children learn the good book while interacting with the program.
Rowland is a space-based racing game: Miles rides his trusty robo-ostrich through obstacles and away from danger.
Miss Hollywood - Fashioned Pets. In this app your child adopts a rescued dog and care for it each day, washing, dressing and feeding it. This helps them learn to care.
Frozen Free Fall - The match-three game has crystals that your child matches in order to unlock all of his or her favorite, "Frozen" characters. This game helps them with their memory.

Mother's Day Gift

The bench above is a gift to my wife for Mother's Day. We were concerned that Hyvee would sell out of them so we purchased it a week ago. I think it looks great on the front porch. My wife is thinking about putting flowers on it. Every spring she purchases many flowers for the front of our house and it looks great. I enjoy getting the water hose out and watering the plants. It's getting close for her to get the plants. She waits until after Mother's Day because up until that point it could still freeze.

Mr. Noah

Noah is going to be in High School next year. He loves going out for sports - football and basketball. He's really a good basketball player. I enjoy watching his games. Of course the season is over now.
He read a book for school and wanted me to read it. I'll do that today and I'll discuss it with him. It's something I like doing with my kids. In fact they can have extra time on their I-pads when they read.
Noah spends a lot of his time at his older sister's places. I had to laugh at my oldest daughter. "I get dibs on Noah for this Friday." He's a great babysitter.

Mr. Gage

Once in awhile we have our grandson Gage. He is here for a few days. The boy is a content little guy. He likes to sit with me and can do that for a good amount of time. 

When he is here it makes 5 kids under the age of three. Aliah, our daughter will turn two in June; Raina and Maddox, our grandchildren are three years old. And Damari is around six months old. 

I always wonder what the little ones personality will develop into. I think Gage is going to be more on the serious side. He's not a snuggler right now.

Time

A thought hit me this morning. I've been investing a lot into my writing career but what am I investing into my family? The word that came to me last week was: balance. I think of a plate twirling guy. Some people can twirl 2 plates very well and get tripped up on 3 plates.  When 1 too many plates is added all the plates fall.  The name of one of my plates is family.  I think that plate may not be spinning as fast as I would like it. I think a movie with one of the kids this week may just be the ticket.

Crossing the Bridge

            My story starts in the early 90's and my obstacle was self-made. The wall stood tall because of my rebellion. I was right but I was wrong. Like a wrench hitting a rusty bolt, I was determined to fix a situation. I went too far and heard God speak to my heart, "I will cut you off, but I will allow a twig to grow." During that time I directed a summer camp to the disabled. When the door closed to that ministry I knew God had cut me off because of my defiance.
        For several years I silently lived in the dream that I would enter full time ministry. On one particular Friday on my way home from work at the Federal Prison, I killed my dream and buried it. I had become discouraged with unanswered prayer. I surrendered.
            The following Sunday I arrived at church early. "Would you like to become a full time Children's Pastor?" my Pastor asked.
        "Yes," I quickly said.
        As I look back on that Sunday morning, I realize now that God caused the twig to sprout from the cut off branch. I gave my two week notice at the prison. My security blanket was removed causing fear to wake me up in the middle of the night. How was I going to make the transition? I enjoyed the job at the prison, but I knew God was calling me to something better.
        During that two weeks I continually heard from God: "Burn the bridge and I will take care of you." The call sounded loud and clear. I moved across the bridge. I set it on fire when I walked out of the prison for the final time. I was excited for my new adventure.
        The first months were difficult as I attempted to adjust to my new position. God blessed us during that time. On one occasion during our, "date night," my wife and I was at a restaurant. Kim and I took the last bite of our fajitas and looked for the bill. I then went to the counter to inquire about it. "It's been paid for." We looked around and didn't recognize anyone.
        The night terrors passed slowly and the memories are distant now. I didn't look back then. Well maybe I looked back but the burned-out bridge reminded me to look ahead. My path materialized on the other side. God helped me take my next step after I surrendered. I experienced fear. But I listened to His words and He calmed my fears. I moved in His direction. Today the twig has blossomed into a full sized branch and the dream is alive, because in His timing, God whispered and I obeyed. 

Memories of Wedding Day

The Cobra II was decorated and parked in front of the church. A trail of cans attached to the bumper was guaranteed to make a lot of noise. "Just Married" spray painted in white foam across the side windows. It stayed alone waiting for its guests.

Inside the church, anticipation fills the air. I stood at the front in my blue tuxedo. My chest filled with fluttering butterflies ready to fly. My eyes glued on the entrance of the church. With an usher on each side, the white carpet flowed down the aisle. Arm in arm with an escort, the family members took their seat. The wedding party in cadence with the love music proceeds to the front in a slow and easy manner. Perfume and after shave linger in the air. Two by two the groomsmen position themselves next to me. The Bridesmaid and Best Man stand their positions. The flower girl and ring bearer walk down the aisle. The flower girl spills her flowers as the ring bearer holds the small pillow. The music begins - “Here Comes the Bride.” Heads turn toward the back as each person stands. The bride and her mom and dad appear in the entry. Beautiful and dressed in white, she is escorted to the anticipated beginning.           

Anniversary

Thirty Four years ago on a Saturday much like today
We walked the aisle, starting a story.
Laughter, sadness and gladness along the way
Words, sentences and chapters
With previews of more to come, certain to stay
In our hearts and life's forever
To those around us, In love we are today

Aliah

Aliah has learned the power she possesses by biting. The kids run from her.

Kalli

Kalli recieved her orange belt last night. She did great.

Aliah

Aliah, 1 year old, is getting more lively.  We have to watch her "head bunts" and her biting.  She wants what she wants.

We celebrated Noah's birthday last week at the Japanese restaurant.  Austin's birthday is this next week.

Danielle

Danielle is feeling much better after having a procedure to remove a kidney stone.

Kim's Birthday

I & Kim celebrated her birthday in Sioux Falls yesterday.  Fun

Kim took the kids to Garrities.  They had a lot of fun in the corn maze, picking out pumpkins and running around.

Omaha

We went to Omaha yesterday to see a 4D ultrasound of Alicia's baby.  We went to a hotel with a water slide.  It was a nice get-a-way.

Kim & Raina

Danielle

We're expecting a baby any day.  - Raina      Danielle is so ready.

Air Show

We went to the Air Show yesterday in Sioux Falls.  It was great.  The Blue Angels are amazing.  We had the foster kids with us. (Ellie, Gavin, Jonnie).  Noah and Kalli stayed with Alicia in Sioux Falls.

Foster Kids

We have 3 new foster kids.  Cavin, Jonnie and Ellie.

Brooke

I and Noah went to Huron and visited with Brooke and her boyfriend.  It was a good visit.  She seems to be doing good.

Austin

Austin started at Burger King

Austin got out of JDC yesterday.

Phoenix

I arrived in Sioux Falls from Phoenix late Friday night.  It was a great flight.  On the way between Denver and Sioux Falls I was able to listen to the Air Tower/Plane radio chatter.  So interesting.

Austin

Austin is home today.

Arizona

Alicia and I drove Carol and Arlene back from Phoenix last week.  It was a good drive, a little windy at times.  We stayed overnight in Las Vegas, NM and Kearney, NE

Adoption

We adopted the boys on Tuesday.  We'll have a party tommorrow night.

Adoption of Tristan and Aaron next week

Adoption of the boys in February

Christmas Letter

Tramp Christmas Letter

It was the week before Christmas when all through the sky, a stream of light passed, then crashed before our eyes.  Kristina pulled the car to the side of the dark road, grabbed a flashlight and headed into the dark field.  She pulled out her blackberry from the cell phone store she managed and called home.  “I’m lost.  There is a corn field on either side of me. Do you know where I’m at?”  
Out of the blue, Ricky arrived, using his talents that he learned from teaching kids at school he was able to find Kristina. Engaged in search was Danielle right beside Ricky.  I said engaged.

Ricky on his moped and Danielle in her car found Kristina.  Imagine their surprise when they saw where the lights had ended - a giant red sleigh with Alisha Dawn sitting on the seat eating chicken alfredo she just got from Frying Pan, where she works at.  A reindeer was grazing close by that seemed to be delusional.  Ricky immediately called for Austin to come quickly because of his interest in wild life.

Austin arrived on the scene.  “We need to get this animal back home.”  “Dad and Mom won’t let you keep a reindeer in the back yard Austin,” Danielle said.  Austin then called Alicia in her new place in Sioux Falls.  No answer because Alicia was at her new job styling hair. So he called Brooke, who also lives in Sioux Falls, but no answer.   

Kristina bewildered by the site of the agitated rein deer, decided to get Noah.  Noah showed up in his spider man costume.  That’s all it took. The rein deer took flight.  Well, he jumped and fell down all across the field.  Now everyone was in chase, watching this animal try to fly but not able to.
”It’s headed right for our back yard.” Spider man said. But actually Austin was leading it home.  Kalli was the first to see the clumsy rein deer through the living room window.  She took the book she was reading and compared the picture.  Tristan and Aaron saw the deer.  Tristan said NO and Aaron smiled at it.  Cody just wanted to ride the deer and because he just turned 3 he felt he could.

Austin was so glad to get the deer in the back yard.  As he was trying to find a place to hide it, the animal got a twinkle in his eye and took flight.   

Randy, Kim, Kristina, Cody, Alicia, Danielle, Brooke, Alisha, Austin, Noah, Kalli, Tristan and Aaron       Tramp Christmas Letter

It was the week before Christmas when all through the sky, a stream of light passed, then crashed before our eyes.  Kristina pulled the car to the side of the dark road, grabbed a flashlight and headed into the dark field.  She pulled out her blackberry from the cell phone store she managed and called home.  “I’m lost.  There is a corn field on either side of me. Do you know where I’m at?”  
Out of the blue, Ricky arrived, using his talents that he learned from teaching kids at school he was able to find Kristina. Engaged in search was Danielle right beside Ricky.  I said engaged.

Ricky on his moped and Danielle in her car found Kristina.  Imagine their surprise when they saw where the lights had ended - a giant red sleigh with Alisha Dawn sitting on the seat eating chicken alfredo she just got from Frying Pan, where she works at.  A reindeer was grazing close by that seemed to be delusional.  Ricky immediately called for Austin to come quickly because of his interest in wild life.

Austin arrived on the scene.  “We need to get this animal back home.”  “Dad and Mom won’t let you keep a reindeer in the back yard Austin,” Danielle said.  Austin then called Alicia in her new place in Sioux Falls.  No answer because Alicia was at her new job styling hair. So he called Brooke, who also lives in Sioux Falls, but no answer.   

Kristina bewildered by the site of the agitated rein deer, decided to get Noah.  Noah showed up in his spider man costume.  That’s all it took. The rein deer took flight.  Well, he jumped and fell down all across the field.  Now everyone was in chase, watching this animal try to fly but not able to.
”It’s headed right for our back yard.” Spider man said. But actually Austin was leading it home.  Kalli was the first to see the clumsy rein deer through the living room window.  She took the book she was reading and compared the picture.  Tristan and Aaron saw the deer.  Tristan said NO and Aaron smiled at it.  Cody just wanted to ride the deer and because he just turned 3 he felt he could.

Austin was so glad to get the deer in the back yard.  As he was trying to find a place to hide it, the animal got a twinkle in his eye and took flight.   

Randy, Kim, Kristina, Cody, Alicia, Danielle, Brooke, Alisha, Austin, Noah, Kalli, Tristan and Aaron       

We're headed to Aberdeen on Wednesday to pick up some more of John's things.

Alicia is getting ready to move to Sioux Falls.  She is excited.

Adoption

Our adoption date is set for the first Tuesday in November. - exciting.

Kim & I

We're headed to Sioux Falls today to celebrate our anniversary.  It'll be great.  Brazilian Grill tonight.

Alicia

I am headed to Sioux Falls with Alicia today.  It'll be good to spend time with her.

Adoption

We meet with Janessa today to start the adoption process.

Danielle

We took Danielle to Sioux Falls to check out NAU, but it was too expensive.  She is meeting with Mt. Marty Counselor today.

Danielle

Kim & I are going with Danielle to Sioux Falls so she can register for college.

Danielle

Danielle is finally feeling much better after having her tonsils taken out.

Danielle

Danielle got out of the hospital yesterday afternoon.  She is doing much better now.

Danielle

Danielle had to go to the hospital over night because she was severely dehydrated.  She had her tonsils out last week.

Danielle

Danielle is not doing so good, concerning her tonsils being taken out.  She is at the hospital now. 

Danielle

Danielle is still recovering from having her tonsils out the early part of last week.  She got out last night but didn't do so good.  Alisha Dawn went back to work last night after having her wisdom teeth taken out on Friday.  We recommended her not to do it but she's 17, so it was up to her.  Her cheeks are still a little swelled.

Alisha

Alisha Dawn has her wisdom teeth taken out today.  Danielle is still recovering from her tonsils being removed the earlier part of this week.  Kim gets up in the middle of the night in order to give Danielle medicine.

Danielle & Alisha

Danielle had her toncils out yesterday and Alisha gets her wisdom teeth taken out tomorrow.  Danielle is hurting but recovering. Alisha is really nervous. 

Danielle

Danielle is getting her tonsils out today.  Ouch

Ricky

We took Ricky out for his birthday last night.  We went to Buffalo Wild Wings.  It was really good.

Randy

I'm excted to be preaching tomorrow.  I'll speak on "Child-Like Faith"

Vacation

The butterfly house was fun yesterday.  Alisha Dawn got a hermit crab.  She talks about it a lot.  We all went to Out Back last night.  It was a great weekend getaway.

vacation

We stayed at Ramkota last night.  Today we'll be going to the butterfly pavilion.

Vacation

We're headed to Sioux Falls today for swimming and fun.

Vacation

We went to Chief White Crane and rented a cabin for the week.  It was nice getting away.

Vacation

We are on vacation all this week.  We'll be staying out at White Crane area.  The kids are so excited about fishing.

Training

I'm headed to Sioux Falls for Acts 2 training.

318

Danielle has decided to stay in the old house.  We're putting in a filter system so she use the water.  Don is installing the dish washer today.

Alicia

Alicia is waiting for word from California if she has a job there. 

4th

We went to the free beach. There sure were a lot of people there.  We came home and had a BBQ.  Chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs and Kristina brought over a stuffed onion.  Oh, that was so good.  Then we shot off fire works.  Austin fired one right into Kalli and that was it for her.  She watched many of them from the portch.  Then we went down to the river.  We got a great spot - behind the water treatment plant.  Then I did my favorite thing: get home really fast through all the traffic. 

4th

We're going to bbq here with the family. Later tonight we'll shoot off some fireworks and then go down by the river. 

Ricky

We went to Ricky's football game last night.  28 to 12  Ricky made a touchdown and an extra point.

Austin

Austin is at camp this week. 

Alisha

We brought Alisha back home from the airport last night.  She was doing a camp in Mississippi.

Father's day weekend

It was a great weekend.  We saw Soul Surfer, Rio and Mr Popper's Penquins - all three great movies.  The kids loved the swimming and we ended the weekend last night with the Japanese restaurant. 

Sioux Falls

We're headed to Sioux Falls for the weekend.  Movie today and zoo tomorrow.  Sunday it'll be the Japanese Restaurant in Sioux City. 
Merle is getting the portch done.

Today

It's my day off today.  I'm going to enjoy it.  Kristina and Danielle are taking me out to supper.  -Reds in Vermillion.  It'll be great.  Alicia is planning on taking me out to a meal after I get back from Camp.

Dam

We went out to the Dam last night. There were a lot of people.  It is so awesome, moving at 150,000.  Kalli got wet when the water splashed up at her. 
John is going back to Aberdeen next week.  Darlene is down here now. 

Family Reunion

We had the Hamilton Family reunion yesterday.  It was great.  A lot of people showed up.  It was hard keeping Aaron in one place. 

John

Darlene has made up her mind to come down and get John.  Sounds like that will happen on June 20th.

Family

Alisha starts camp in Loveland, Co today.  She text yesterday telling us that she went to an amusement park. 
Kalli stayed overnight at Alicia's.
Austin is going to help Grandmo Carol get things out of her basement.

Alisha

On Thursday Alisha flew from Sioux Falls to Springfield with a stop in Denver.  Yesterday she traveled with the Risner family to Loveland, Co for camp.  They will be doing Kid's Camp starting tomorrow.

Dam

We went out to the Dam last night.  The water sure is moving at a fast rate.  What power!  I took the kids to the swimming pool yesterday.  Samantha is leaving today at 2:00 pm.  She'll be back one more time in a few weeks. 

Kim's Mom

Carol is bringing some things to our garage.  She was warned that her house may be flooded.  The Missiouri is expected to rise over the next two weeks.

Sam

Samantha is suppose to come back today.  We enjoy her being here.  The swimming pool has opened.  Ricky & Danielle got a moped.  They are having fun with it.

Memorial Day

We're having two meals today.  We'll have Kim's Dad over for lunch and Kim's Mom over for supper.  The weather is suppose to get bad in the late afternoon so that's why John will come for lunch. He is in a hoover round and we can't get him into our house.  We went out to the dam last night.  The water is really moving.  Kalli made a comment about the dam lake last night.  We laughted.  She didn't know why we were laughing. 

Kim & I

We had such fun in Sioux Falls.  We tried out a new restaurant: India Buffet.  It was great.  I especially liked the goat.  -lol.  Then we went to Soul Surfer.  -great movie.

I and Kim

We're able to get away and it's great. Yesterday we went to Olive Garden, a movie and dinner last night at Chevy's.  Today we'll try out the new India Grill.  We're planning on going to Soul  Surfer.  It's been a wonderful time of just Kim and I. 

Kim & I

We're getting away for a few days.  Sioux Falls - It'll be great.

Sam

Samantha goes to her Grandparents today.  It was great having her with us for this week.  She'll be back one more time.  Alex and Chariline will be here today. (Last day for them.)

Kids

We had a lot of kids in the house yesterday.  3 xtra foster kids and 2 other girls. (Fritz girls)  It was a crazy day. 

Foster kids

We have Samantha here for this week.  We also are respiting 2 other foster girls.  Lot of people in our home.

John

Kim & I took John, Kim's Dad, out to eat last night.  We went to Yesterdays.  Alisha Dawn was working and was our waitress.  It was a good time.

Noah

Noah has a soccer game today.  Kim is starting to look for a place for her Dad when he gets out of Yankton Care Center.  Alisha is preparing to go to kid's camps for the summer.

Austin

Austin likes his job at the cell phone place.  We're going to a movie today.  It'll be fun.

Last Day

This is the last day of school for the kids.  Austin is really excited. He doesn't have to do speech any longer. 

Kindergarten

It was the last day for going to help out in Kalli's class.  I really enjoyed going there every Monday.  I played games with the kids, helped cut out letters, projects and helped watch the kids. 

Kalli

After helping in Kalli's Kindgarden class, I took Kalli and her friend home. Kalli felt it was neccessary to warn her friend of my gas problems as we got into the van. LOL

Mother's Day

We stayed in line at Outback for over an hour.  I looked across the street and saw a Japanese Restuarant.  We checked it out and there we went.  It was great.  We had nearly the entire family there.  Alisha had to work. 

Noah

Noah was so excited that he won his soccer game last night.  He has another game on Saturday.