Please Remember Kevin:

'Kevin' is the 13 year old boy I wrote about in this entry HERE. His remaining 20 day chance to be adopted has dropped to just 10 -- But he has 2 separate families trying to rescue and adopt him. However, I am guessing, that as there are only 10 days left until he is not adoptable -- things are not going easy at all. They are asking for prayers for a miracle for him. If you pray, please, please include this boy. If not, think of him please? Thank you all again.

The Christmas Post:

This is an entry I've had in my head for many months, just trying to figure out how to write it. Last year, I posted 'yes Virginia there is a Santa Claus,' and it wasn't enough. I might think unfortunately that it even upset some people. So maybe something else this year?


Some people see only Santa Claus at Christmas. Some don't. Did you know that Santa Claus was indeed a real person - not a myth or a lie - he was St. Nicholas. Did you know that St. Nicholas was adopted by his uncle after his parents died? Did you know he used his parents inheritance to help the poor? Did you know that beyond Christmas he is known as the Patron Saint of Children and that Patron Saints are said to have lived a life as a worthy example of how to faithfully follow Jesus Christ?

Did you know he loved God?

At Christmastime, growing up in my family, there was always a Santa Claus. And at the same time, from when we were the smallest of children, my mom and dad instilled in us the holy value of what Christmas really was all about - the birth of our savior Jesus Christ - we knew that, without a doubt. We would have [and still have] the nativity scene, every year we would perform Christmas play of the 3 Kings and the Shepherds coming to visit the baby Jesus. Every year, I got to be the angel - to the point of having the verse memorized in my head:

"Fear not, for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people, for unto you is born this day in the city of David, a savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you, you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and laying in a manger."

This, my family, my friends, is what Christmas is about. We grew up lovingly and knowing it with our whole hearts. And Santa Claus? Well, my mother never even had to sit down and give us the 'he isn't real' talk. Because as we grew we came to know what Santa Claus -St. Nicholas- embodied- the spirit of giving, the spirit of Christmas - to be carried all through the year; for the Glory of God.

For that reason I still believe.

There will always be a Santa Claus in my/our home. Everyone has their own Christmas Traditions and beliefs, and cherish and love them and that is wonderful. I just thought I'd take a moment to share our own. From my house to yours, peace, love and joy this Holiday Season.

Merry Christmas.

--Debrah and Family

Chinese Adoption Older Child

This 13 year old boy is in China and needs a family to commit to him right now. When he turns 14 he looses the chance to be adopted - forever. That happens in 20 days. I am certain he has seen other kids get taken home and his turn never comes. Come on everyone, lets make a wonderful Christmas Miracle. Somewhere there is a family for him. Please, you have to have paperwork in China now. You might be able to add him into your adoption. Please don't just past this over. If you are adopting, if you are thinking of china, if you are thinking of an older child, give this boy a chance. And if not, at least please past THIS POST about him along. It takes two minutes, but can change his life. Thank you.

Celebrating Christmas

Lol! Isn't it cute! I loved it!

To the Person Asking About Dmitry :)

Hi! I do hope you come back to read this. As it is, I do not know which orphanage he is in but I may be able to get you in touch with someone who does. Please email me at debrahballard at yahoo.com. Please let me know how it goes, I love that little boy. Thank you so very very much for asking.

My One and Only Nephew...

...here he is, this past Halloween. Its been a while since I posted his pictures so I thought I'd put one up. Also, he's about to loose his title as 'one and only' -- he has a baby brother on the way! And a cousin on the way too, a little girl! Congrats so much to my brother and sister in law and my sister and brother in law!

There is a blog entry I am writing...

...but I don't know how without seeming biased or hypocritical or judgmental of people. Please, for now, just look at this video.