A and J's Big Day

October through December Fun

2009-12-19T11:56:00.000-08:00

Best times are those shared with family!

Hayden awaits Santa on the Polar Express.

I'm SO excited!

Cliff is coming home!

2009-12-07T17:14:00.000-08:00

Cliff has made a miraculous recovery from his lung surgery. He is coming home tomorrow from the hospital cancer free!! He has been a real inspiration to us all. I am amazed at his strength and determination. This "bump in the road" has been an eye opener for us all. With great family and support all things are possible. Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, and "connections"! Everything went so smoothly and just as it was meant to be. It's going to be a Very Merry Christmas. Love you all...

Good times in NYC and Boston

2009-10-04T12:40:00.000-07:00

We spent the week strolling through New York City and Boston. We had a great time, despite the cold and the occassional down pour! The Yankees game, Carnegie Deli, countless desserts and Sam Adams Brewery were just a few of the highlights of our trip. We fell in love with both cities and can't wait to go back.

Sometimes You Need to Hit Something!

2009-09-12T19:33:00.000-07:00

Today Sheree and I put the hurt on a car (and ourselves) in honor of our beloved Aunt Maresa. Cancer affects everyone, no one is spared anymore. All we can do is hold closely those we love and give back in honor of those we've lost. We miss you Aunt Maresa! "Strike a pose!"

Our day with Dew

2009-03-14T15:39:00.000-07:00

Cinnamon rolls, trains, and merry go rounds. What more can you ask for? Well, there was also cheese on a stick and later there will be Chipotle. I guess there's always more...

Turks and Caicos

2009-02-18T14:52:00.000-08:00

Welcome 2009!

2009-01-04T14:34:00.000-08:00

We kicked off the New Year low key this year. We stayed put in Gilbert and hung with family and friends. We ventured out to Queen Creek and visited Schnepf Farms this weekend with the Ragusas. We all had a great time being kids down on the farm. We wish everyone a Happy and healthy 2009!

Christmas Loot Update

2008-11-07T15:34:00.000-08:00

Today I stocked up on some toys for the hospital toy closet. Here's a look at some of "your" gifts. I felt like a kid myself finding things I thought they might like. I think it's good to tap into your inner child at least once a week! I already have the itch to put up our tree so I can see toys under it. Every day would be like Christmas morning.

Here's wishing you all kid like cheer!

Happy Spooky Boo Boos!

2008-10-31T22:56:00.001-07:00

Christmas Wish List

2008-10-13T17:30:00.000-07:00

I decided that this year for Christmas I want to do something different. Christmas is always a lot of pressure for everyone. This year I just want to spend time with family, eating good food and enjoying eachothers company. No gifts please!! I'm donating gifts to this great organization in everyone's name. Check it out if you want to know where your gift is going!!
http://andreascloset.org/

Choices

2008-10-07T15:18:00.000-07:00

Everyday when I'm walking into the hospital I ask for strength to get me through the day. I tell myself at that time and throughout the day to stay positive and always make the right choice. Some days are more stressful than others. Sometimes the pressure gets the best of me and I loose sight of the importance of choosing my attitude. For me, it's always about the patient, not the doctor's, time crunches,etc... Not about my life and the "problems" that cause me stress. I check that at the door. Some days I'm exhausted, overwhelmed, and I come to work run down with a negative attitude. It never fails that on these days, at some point I will encounter a patient that puts me in check. By that, I mean, their story makes my "issues" seem so small.

Yesterday I took care of a 12 year old boy, Aaron, who was getting a spinal surgery. He was born with spina bifida and scoliosis. He is paralyzed from the waist down and is wheelchair bound. His surgery was geared at relieving some of his pain in his upper back. He came in last Friday to get a tour of the unit. I met him that day and had a "feeling" I would take care of him on Monday. I was right. He was very nervous when I went into his room the morning of surgery. He told the child life specialist he was afraid he would die. He spent 10 hours in the operating room. He lost all the blood volume in his body. His anesthesiologist saved his life by stopping the surgery. He came from the ICU today for the surgery to be completed. He is in the OR as I type. I pray he makes it through.

There are things in my life right now that cause aggravation,irritation,frustration. Things that I LET get me stressed out and agitated. Things that are insignificant compared to what this boy and his family are going through right now. I am blessed to only have these minimal causes of stress in my life. And I am blessed that I get daily reminders of just how trivial they are.
I write this to vent, I write this remind myself in the future, and I write this to remind each of you that life is precious, please do not waste it being focused on the negatives. Realize that someone next to you is struggling more than you. Be thankful for your gifts and your life. Embrace your family and those around you.

EWW WEE

2008-09-29T19:10:00.000-07:00

Tonight I went on a scorpion hunt and found this unlucky guy. I believe he was the same fool that made me spill my trash last night in the garage. His bad karma ended him up on the bottom of Justin's shoe. Hopefully the karma I just created won't be nearly as bad. Ugh, these things give me the heebie jeebies!!

New Kitchen Gadget

2008-09-28T18:46:00.000-07:00

I finally found a use for one of our dug up rose garden bricks ---- in the kitchen! I love panini sandwiches and have always wanted to try to make one at home, however I lack the proper and expensive equipment to do so. So, in tough economic times like these I remembered a simple solution. I tried out the brick wrapped in foil technique tonight and it worked great! Afterwards I didn't have some huge appliance to cram into an already overfilled cabinet. I just brought it back outside to it's resting place until next time. Visit Waters Family Recipe Blog for recipe and more pictures!

Stored Away Treasures

2008-09-22T18:38:00.000-07:00

I came across these while cleaning out old boxes on Sunday. These were among the many notes of inspiration from Mama and Katie. My mother and sister have a gift of knowing when I need a little pick me up. I can remember thousands of mornings I would wake to find a sticky note on my book bag or an original poem by Katie taped to the mirror. I have gotten through a lot of hard times because of things that this. I cherish these pieces of paper, they are truely priceless. I bought a scrap book so I can have all the many clever and inspirational notes to look at when I need it. I always say that cleaning is my therapy. This weekend was a perfect example of that. Thanks girls for all the love.

**side note: Many other people in my life, including my husband, father, in laws, and friends have their own ways of inspiring and supporting me, these 2 things just stuck out on Sunday!!

Welcome 2008!

2008-01-07T15:39:00.000-08:00

This year started with a bang as we celebrated with fireworks and football in Louisiana. Justin couldn't have been happier with blackcats in his hand! I stayed clear out of the way. We had a great trip, but were happy to come home to our usual routine. I guess we have already become an old married couple! Today I got some good news - I got a job at the hospital. After giving my new venture some time, I decided I better head back to the hospital for a guaranteed income. I'm still doing my injections and lasering in my free time. I love it and it has potential to enable us to save for the future. Here's to new beginnings and a prosperous year for all! Can't wait to see what else this year has in store. Love you all,
A&J

You and Me Chicken Pot Pie

2007-12-08T10:07:00.000-08:00

4 chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 inch chunks
2 celery stalks, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped (recipe calls for 2 leeks)
handful of baby carrots diced
2 potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
2 cups green beans, chopped in 1/2
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups lowfat milk
1/3 cup flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup frozen peas
3 sheets phyllo dough thawed (I used puffed pastry)
2 Tablespoons parmesan cheese
Ground black pepper and salt

Preheat oven to 350. Spray 4 individual oven-proof dishes with cooking spray.

Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large pan, add 2 teaspoons olive oil and heat over medium. Cook chicken 5 minutes on each side and reserve on a plate.

In same skillet, add a little more oil and cook onions, celery, and carrots until browned and soft. Add potatoes, green beans and garlic. Add salt and pepper to taste and cook for 2 minutes. Add your milk. Stir four and chicken broth together in a bowl and add to pan. Bring to a boil and reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in chicken and peas. Check seasoning. Pour into prepared dishes.

Unroll dough and cut into strips. Lattice or leave into thick strips over the top of each pie. Brush with olive oil. Top each with parmesan cheese. Bake 30 minutes on a cookie sheet. Broil for a few minutes to brown crust.

*The recipe called for 1 tbs fresh thyme and 2 tbs of fresh parsley. I added these and it tasted too herby for me. I think just season it how you like your pie. Salt and pepper for me!

From the Caymans to the kitchen

2007-12-07T13:26:00.000-08:00

My camera no longer works, or I'm just too tech lazy to figure it out, so I am going to post yummy recipes from now on. Being a newlywed, I have lots of fun in the kitchen with all our new stuff. As long as Justin doesn't demand his food on the table at 5pm sharp - me and my stove will remain friends for awhile...
Stay tuned for tonight's recipe titled "you and me chicken pot pie".
In future posts, look forward to Justin's Chili Verde (spin off on Jeff Ragusa's classic)

2007-09-17T17:23:00.001-07:00

I was blessed to spend a few days with Katie and Hayden this week. We had lots of fun playing and eating! Katie and I both love this time of year - perfect eating/nesting weather! Check out this yummy kettle corn recipe. Hope you have as much fun eating it as we did!
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup popcorn kernels
1/2 cup confectioners sugar
2 TBS granulated sugar
Coarse salt to taste
Heat oil in large pot over medium-high. Add kernels and cover. When it starts to POP, lift lid and add confectioners sugar carefully. Cook, shaking pot frequently, until popping slows, then sprinkle with granulated sugar. Continue to SHAKE until popping has almost stopped. Sprinkle with salt.

Justin and his little buddy

2007-07-15T17:19:00.000-07:00

The Stengel's In Grand Cayman

2007-06-03T21:55:00.001-07:00

I love little Justin...he is so adorable! When I met this little guy he was admiring the pirate ship in the bay, he was so taken by it that I wouldn't be surprised if he asked to be a pirate for halloween this year!

Smiles for all!

2007-06-03T21:13:00.000-07:00

Fun Boat!

2007-06-03T21:09:00.000-07:00

Cliff Sent these great shots of the gang having fun on the snorkeling trip. The water looks amazing- I hear the trip was a blast and fun for all. If you are viewing this blog and haven't been to the Caymans...I think these pictures may convince you to book a trip!

Sand, Cake and Colorful Girls...

2007-05-30T21:13:00.000-07:00

There are too many wonderful pictures to post...they are all so beautiful it is hard to choose which ones to post and which to print!

More Ceremony Shots!

2007-05-30T16:40:00.000-07:00

Wedding Ceremony

2007-05-30T16:32:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Aunt Dovie we now have some wedding photo's to share. Annie and Justin looked so amazing! If anyone has more pictures to share please send them to me (katieolivia@verizon.net) and I will post them on the website. I hope everyone who was at the wedding made it home safely, for those of you who are still in the caymens- live it up you lucky dogs!

Snorkeling at Stingray City

2007-05-28T18:30:00.000-07:00

Life's a Beach

2007-05-28T07:39:00.001-07:00

The wedding was beautiful, almost as beautiful as the bride! The rain held until the very end of the ceremony and everyone stayed relatively dry. Thankfully there was a cabana or two for everyone to duck under while the heavens rained tears of joy for Annie and Justin after they were wed! For those of you who know Justin well you will be shocked to know that he danced the night away with his new bride. The Chicago cousins and aunts got him on the dance floor and made him shake his booty- Go Justin!

We all had a wonderful time at the reception and ejoyed the beautiful atmosphere. It's easy to see why Justin and Annie chose this place to be married, it is paradise!

More Pictures

2007-05-26T10:04:00.001-07:00

Rehersal Dinner Pictures

2007-05-26T09:51:00.000-07:00

Viva La Cayman Wedding! Last night we had a fabulous time at the rehersal dinner. Cliff and Linda hosted a very nice party and everyone had a great time. Annie and Justin were both glowing, and it wasn't from the rum punch!