Reviewing some of my family's highlights last year. We had a lot of blessings and challenges that entered our lives. This past year was a huge challenge for Rhoda and I due to the geographic separation and distance. We stood firm and weathered the storms. We basked in the Blessings. Truly there was a purpose for each event we experienced this past year. We both learned a lot from all of them.
FEBRUARY
Larraine's Accident.
Larraine had accidentally broken her arm at school. She left school that morning and walked back to the house, splinted her arm-by herself, and prayed that God will heal her arm before her mommy came home that evening. She didn't want Rhoda and I to get mad at her.
NO SURGERY! Larraine's arm had set itself through the night, prior to her scheduled surgery the next day. No doubt it was a miracle from God. MARCH
Rhoda's Graduation
After so many years of sacrifices, Rhoda finally accomplished her dream. She graduated with a BS in Nursing from Lourdes College.
APRIL
Rafael Frenz Taitano
We finally made the decision to adopt Fren. He joined the family in Cagayan De Oro. He seems happy and adjusted quite readily to his new surroundings. He loves to pull down Rhoda's nursing books from the shelves. 
This picture was taken in November while he was on vacation to the family compound in Butuan City. This was the same time Rhoda and Larraine went to Cebu for her sister's wedding. JUNE
Rafael Frenz: Measles
Fren admitted into the hospital and diagnosed with measles.
Fren feeling miserable. He was placed in isolation away from the other kids due to measles. He has his own private room, which enabled Rhoda, Larraine, Sharon, Dindin to stay over to watch over him. 
Fren riding on the IV stand. He looks better after his battle with measles.
COMPUTER CRASHED
My computer crashed in June. A week later my sister's laptop crashed. Leaving me without internet communications with Rhoda until November when I bought a used tower and had it fixed. Still need to invest in a new tower in 2011.
SEPTEMBER
Larraine and Fren celebrating their birthdays. Larraine turns 8 years old. Fren turns 1 years old. Fren got excited and tried to eat their cake early before blowing out the candles. 
All the icing on Fren's face. Larraine trying to keep him from grabbing the cake.
NOVEMBER
Larraine's 1st Ferry Ride
Larraine's first boat ride on a passenger ferry from Butuan City to Cebu. Rhoda and Larraine were heading to Cebu to be part of Rhoda's sister's wedding.
Rhoda and Larraine having dinner on the ferry. It looks like they are having bbq kabobs with rice cooked in wrapped coconut leaves.
Rhoda and Larraine enjoying the view from the window of the ferry as it makes headway to Cebu city.
Larraine meets her biological
father and sibling for the first time. Larraine really enjoyed her visit with her father and sister. She especially loved the beach. I am glad that meeting happened. There will definitely be more visits in the future, as well. (Back Row L-R) Rhoda, Rhoda's sister-in-law, Joane, and Ramil (Larraine's father and Rhoda's brother).
(L-R) Larraine, and her sister, Shane Mae.
Rhoda and Larraine at Kawasan Falls Adventure at Moalboal, Cebu with Shane Mae, Ramil, and Joane.
Larraine's first plane ride.
Larraine's first plane ride on Air Philippines from Cebu to Cagayan De Oro City. She had the window seat. From what Rhoda told me, Larraine was very excited to ride the airplane.
Larraine exiting the aircraft on Lumba Airfield at Cagayan De Oro City.
DECEMBER
Christmas New Year Vacation
Larraine riding a motorela or trike, one of the many modes of transportation, in the Philippines. She usually accompanies her Auntie Rizza (Rhoda's sister) into Butuan City from the family compound.
Larraine posing on one of the relative's river boat next to the family compound along the Agusan River.
Fren playing with his grandfather's handcrafted ukelele. It was to heavy for him to play with.
Rhoda helping out at the family Christmas party.
Fren was diagnosed with pneumonia a couple of days ago. He was able to overcome his sickness with lots of prayers, meds, and nebulizer treatments. He is doing okay now.
This picture was taken yesterday. He's doing a lot better. It looks like he's going to be following his mommy's foot steps into the medical field.
Those were the highlights to our lives last year. I'm still trying to catch up transferring pictures from Rhoda's albums to mine to share it here. It'll take awhile but it'll get done.
Happy New Year!
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