We just bought our first car!! Man has the whole process been entirely CRAZY. But, definitely worth it in the end. I feel extremely satisfied and informed with the decision that we ending up making. Bless our wonderful parents for all their help, assistance, and love and we have done this crazy adventure. I kept telling myself that I would post in November but it just flew away!! I know this is awful but for sake of time this is all I have got time to post. We're graduating COLLEGE next week!!! When I started this blog I had just met Jacob and was a first week freshman in college. It's crazy to think just how much I've grown up (And just how much I have no idea what's going on in the world) I'm going to miss this place and all of the crazy life lessons that it taught me. Perhaps I'll touch on those next time but for now I must paint!!
That's all for now!
Paigey
P.S. The wind blew off my contact today. Basically Rexburg in a nutshell.
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Saturday, October 31, 2015
The Southwest
As per usual (kinda crazy how that always happens) a lot has changed since the last post! We have been so blessed to be able to have a job post-graduation. Jacob has accepted a job offer at GM in the Phoenix, Arizona area. Totally a shock to us and totally a change of pace from anything I've ever experienced. We are so excited and ready for some sunshine after this frozen tundra.
Student teaching has seemed to fly by! It has it's many stressful moments, days, and weeks but everything that I do has a purpose and it makes it that much more wonderful and joyful. I have loved my partner student teacher Rebekah and being able to work together and bounce off ideas. It has been such a blessing.
We finally made it to Big Jud's last night! Man, it was the biggest burger I have ever seen/had. 1 whole pound! We split it in quarters and didn't finish it all but it was delicious. I love experiencing life with Jacob and my favorite thing is doing new things with him.
We are excited for our next step in life and to know where we are going. We have a job, apartment, and excitement. Now we just have to figure out how to move there and officially graduate.
This year, as I mentioned in the beginning, has been all about the word "trust" for me, and let me tell you...it has done wonders to my life and happiness to just go with the flow and trust.
That's all for now!
Paigey
Student teaching has seemed to fly by! It has it's many stressful moments, days, and weeks but everything that I do has a purpose and it makes it that much more wonderful and joyful. I have loved my partner student teacher Rebekah and being able to work together and bounce off ideas. It has been such a blessing.
We finally made it to Big Jud's last night! Man, it was the biggest burger I have ever seen/had. 1 whole pound! We split it in quarters and didn't finish it all but it was delicious. I love experiencing life with Jacob and my favorite thing is doing new things with him.
We are excited for our next step in life and to know where we are going. We have a job, apartment, and excitement. Now we just have to figure out how to move there and officially graduate.
This year, as I mentioned in the beginning, has been all about the word "trust" for me, and let me tell you...it has done wonders to my life and happiness to just go with the flow and trust.
That's all for now!
Paigey
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
The If Only List
If only it was December and I was graduating.
If only constant was the norm and not change.
If only I felt like I had a real geographical home that I can call mine.
If only I got to go home.
If only I knew where we are living in January.
If only I could go on vacation.
If only I could live by the coast again.
If only I could have a house and a dog and a small little family.
If only art was free and not expensive.
If only I would actually fold my laundry.
I know each life is designed for each individual and you won't ever be in a spot you're not meant to be in...but man, I am done with the "limbo" stage and ready for some "real life, real home, real friends" stage.
"If only, if only," the woodpecker sighs, "The bark on the tree was just a little bit softer." While the wolf waits below, hungry and lonely, He cries to the moo-oo-oon, "If only, if only."-Louis Sachar
If only constant was the norm and not change.
If only I felt like I had a real geographical home that I can call mine.
If only I got to go home.
If only I knew where we are living in January.
If only I could go on vacation.
If only I could live by the coast again.
If only I could have a house and a dog and a small little family.
If only art was free and not expensive.
If only I would actually fold my laundry.
I know each life is designed for each individual and you won't ever be in a spot you're not meant to be in...but man, I am done with the "limbo" stage and ready for some "real life, real home, real friends" stage.
"If only, if only," the woodpecker sighs, "The bark on the tree was just a little bit softer." While the wolf waits below, hungry and lonely, He cries to the moo-oo-oon, "If only, if only."-Louis Sachar
Friday, September 11, 2015
The Student Teaching
At the end of August we moved from Indy to Rexburg! It was quite an adventure. We had to clean up the apartment on my birthday and then we left the next day! The drive was actually really pretty until we go to Northern Colorado/Wyoming. Then at the end of Wyoming we hit the Palisades on the Idaho borderline and dang, that was crazy beautiful! The most "exciting" part about this road trip back was on our anniversary. We were driving and our pit stop that night was Colorado Springs, but we decided to hit Denver. It was our anniversary after all!! Really long story short, our trusty steed Martin ended up dying in downtown Denver on 15th street right by the aquarium and the football stadium. That mean that we were stuck in a city we don't know, it the downtown, at a stop light, without any idea what to do next! Jacob is such a sweetheart and after many phone calls, lots of prayers that we could get our car somewhere safe, a couple of rolled stopped signs, and a rain storm we were able to get him working! We went to a restaurant Jacob grew up with called La Bonita. It was like Disney World but in Denver. There was life entertainment and decorations everywhere. They entertain you with people jumping and diving off of waterfalls and cliffs. It definitely was a move to remember. Also, Wyoming is so ugly.
The day after we got back I got my Horizontal License because I'm now 21!! It was great and then I went straight to teaching. I was actually really nervous for the students to come in because at the end of last year I had a rough time with one student and it really shook up my confidence in teaching and my desire to be here. But, it's a new year and new students. It really has been such a great experience so far and I feel so grateful that I get to have my own classroom and my own space to create and teach in. Most days are just fine!! The only thing that is hard for me is not being tired all the time! But, I'm no just weeks away from my diploma and it feels AMAZING.
Last week we went to Heise Hot Springs with Arliss and Coelton. I have never gone swimming in a hot spring and let me tell you-they are stinky stanky. But, it was so fun and I feel so lucky that I get to have these experiences! Jacob and I have made it a goal to do as many new things that are specific to this area this semester.
Labor Day weekend was BUSY and FUN. We went to Hazelton because Ben was home on leave from the Navy. I went to my first Rodeo, my first County Fair, and to Bear Lake for the first time. The Rodeo was definitely "eye-opening" and not really my cup of tea. The County Fair was a blast!! I loved, loved, loved the 4H animals! Jacob is such a trooper to spend hours with me just looking at the animals.
Then we went to Bear Lake to meet up with the Moffat side of the family! It was great and we went to an amazingly beautiful church in Laketown. Apparently it was the birthplace of my Grandfather and I had no idea until after the meeting was over! It was really cool to see the graves of some ancestors and to learn a little bit more about my heritage. I love being a Moffat and so far so good being a Mikesell. I feel very blessed in my life.
On the way back, we grabbed an incredible raspberry milkshake, stopped at the lake, and went to head back to Rexburg. A pheasant died on our wind shield...R.I.P. big guy haha. But, in Pocatello the car starting acting up so we headed back to Hazelton (lotsssss of driving this weekend) to get some help from the Mikesell Car Shop. It was good to have something to do monday, and we were lucky to get some legitimate homemade fried chicken by one of the Georgian elders at the Mikesell's house. Man, it was tasty!!
Anyways, that's all for now folks!
Next stop this weekend: Family pictures/Camping in Island Park.
The day after we got back I got my Horizontal License because I'm now 21!! It was great and then I went straight to teaching. I was actually really nervous for the students to come in because at the end of last year I had a rough time with one student and it really shook up my confidence in teaching and my desire to be here. But, it's a new year and new students. It really has been such a great experience so far and I feel so grateful that I get to have my own classroom and my own space to create and teach in. Most days are just fine!! The only thing that is hard for me is not being tired all the time! But, I'm no just weeks away from my diploma and it feels AMAZING.
Last week we went to Heise Hot Springs with Arliss and Coelton. I have never gone swimming in a hot spring and let me tell you-they are stinky stanky. But, it was so fun and I feel so lucky that I get to have these experiences! Jacob and I have made it a goal to do as many new things that are specific to this area this semester.
Labor Day weekend was BUSY and FUN. We went to Hazelton because Ben was home on leave from the Navy. I went to my first Rodeo, my first County Fair, and to Bear Lake for the first time. The Rodeo was definitely "eye-opening" and not really my cup of tea. The County Fair was a blast!! I loved, loved, loved the 4H animals! Jacob is such a trooper to spend hours with me just looking at the animals.
Then we went to Bear Lake to meet up with the Moffat side of the family! It was great and we went to an amazingly beautiful church in Laketown. Apparently it was the birthplace of my Grandfather and I had no idea until after the meeting was over! It was really cool to see the graves of some ancestors and to learn a little bit more about my heritage. I love being a Moffat and so far so good being a Mikesell. I feel very blessed in my life.
On the way back, we grabbed an incredible raspberry milkshake, stopped at the lake, and went to head back to Rexburg. A pheasant died on our wind shield...R.I.P. big guy haha. But, in Pocatello the car starting acting up so we headed back to Hazelton (lotsssss of driving this weekend) to get some help from the Mikesell Car Shop. It was good to have something to do monday, and we were lucky to get some legitimate homemade fried chicken by one of the Georgian elders at the Mikesell's house. Man, it was tasty!!
Anyways, that's all for now folks!
Next stop this weekend: Family pictures/Camping in Island Park.
Thursday, July 23, 2015
The Summer Fun
This Summer has been a fun, unique one. I spend most of my days on the couch doing homework, see the light of day at night, and Jacob works his hardest and plays with a nerf gun along the way! Anyways, Indy has been great. I have missed humidity, cicadas, fireflies, low elevation, diversity, culture, etc. The best part really is that I'm with Jacob. I don't really care where I am as long as I get to be with him!
This summer has been a spidey summer. We've had fun with Wolf Spiders (Did you know that they carry their babies on their back?? All like 1,000 of them!). We've had fun with small spiders, big spiders, fat spiders, skinny spiders, alive spiders, dead spiders, pretty much you name it and we've done it. But hey, that's what happens when you have to find the cheapest yet available place to rent and we're just grateful that we've found them and haven't been bitten by them.
Last week Danielle got married to Ryan! Congrats to them! I flew out early to UT and spent some time with my parentals. I went hiking with my mom, lost all my oxygen, and realized that we did this same hike like ten years previously. Also, note to self, do not forget the sunscreen next time. I'm really not digging this whole "high elevation=no oxygen=sunburn=really close to sun=PEELING SKIN. I don't have this happen a whole lot so yes, it is kind of a big deal.
Jacob and I had a great time at Danielle's & Ryan's wedding. It was great to meet our new niece and see all the grandkids! I really lucked out in the whole "in-law" department. They're the best! The best part or the most fun I guess was the photobooth. We got to take a lot of fun, cute, silly pictures.
I am currently doing my last final and then I am DONE. I'm just hoping and crossing my fingers that all goes well with my Praxis on Tuesday. Worse comes to worse...I did buy some ice cream.
We're set to head to the Indianapolis Temple Open House tomorrow (friday) and hopefully Chicago next saturday! I really like visiting places. :)
That's all for now folks! Hope you enjoyed your stay!
Paigey
This summer has been a spidey summer. We've had fun with Wolf Spiders (Did you know that they carry their babies on their back?? All like 1,000 of them!). We've had fun with small spiders, big spiders, fat spiders, skinny spiders, alive spiders, dead spiders, pretty much you name it and we've done it. But hey, that's what happens when you have to find the cheapest yet available place to rent and we're just grateful that we've found them and haven't been bitten by them.
Last week Danielle got married to Ryan! Congrats to them! I flew out early to UT and spent some time with my parentals. I went hiking with my mom, lost all my oxygen, and realized that we did this same hike like ten years previously. Also, note to self, do not forget the sunscreen next time. I'm really not digging this whole "high elevation=no oxygen=sunburn=really close to sun=PEELING SKIN. I don't have this happen a whole lot so yes, it is kind of a big deal.
Jacob and I had a great time at Danielle's & Ryan's wedding. It was great to meet our new niece and see all the grandkids! I really lucked out in the whole "in-law" department. They're the best! The best part or the most fun I guess was the photobooth. We got to take a lot of fun, cute, silly pictures.
I am currently doing my last final and then I am DONE. I'm just hoping and crossing my fingers that all goes well with my Praxis on Tuesday. Worse comes to worse...I did buy some ice cream.
We're set to head to the Indianapolis Temple Open House tomorrow (friday) and hopefully Chicago next saturday! I really like visiting places. :)
That's all for now folks! Hope you enjoyed your stay!
Paigey
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
The Rexy to Indy Roadtrip
Jacob and I have arrived and spent some time in our new home for the summer. We are here just on the edge of the city of Indianapolis. The drive to make it here from Rexburg to Indianapolis really wasn't that torturous and the best part was that we got to spend so much time together because we didn't have work. Another perk was finding out that Jacob surprisingly really likes pools at hotels and that meant we got to meet some funny people in the hotels and go swimming despite the snow (!!!!) we found in Wyoming in the end of May!
While driving out here I surprisingly got sappy and emotional. No, no, no, not because of the move or because of a "scary new place" (which I haven't ever really felt). It was because there was a point when I realized we had finally said GOODBYE to mountains and HELLO to trees! I got overwhelmed with so much joy. This is weird to describe this but I'll try my best to explain. Living in the mountains is hard for me emotionally-but I do my best to find the good and to not complain. I think I do a pretty dang good job, because I really do find good things about them. But, when we arrived in tree place and we got "suffocated" by them as I described it was like this huge burden was lifted off of me. I felt like "it was all worth it, I did it, this is my reward for trying to find the good in all things". I know, it sounds like bogus, but it felt so good.
Moving here meant that we got to see the Janes family in West Lafayette. Their home was beautiful, it was amazing to see a familiar face, and I felt such comfort in being in the home of a friend. I feel so blessed to have lived in places that I always find someone that I know whether I realize it or not.
This brings me to my next point/adventure. While here Jacob and I have wanted to be proactive in this opportunity and do things. We've gone to gardens, the art museum, downtown, restaurants, trails, etc. But, strangely the best part so far was an experience I had here in the Children's Hospital. It's funny how prayers can be answered. I had prayed that I would find ways to serve people despite knowing nobody and having no connections. I didn't think my prayer would be answered the way that it was, but when do they get answered the expected way? I got asked to play with a 3 year old boy in our ward who just moved in and has an infection from his cystic fibrosis and is in the hospital. I felt strongly like this is what I needed to be doing. Strangely, the lady in the ward that got asked to pick me up (lack of car) ended up being my second cousin! How weird is that? The little boy in the hospital....his mom is an Art Teacher! The executive secretary in our ward lived in the Valley Forge Stake!
As much as I have grown and progressed with being okay that PA is not my only home emotionally, mentally, and physically it really is nice to find little tastes of home. It's like Heavenly Father knows what I need right when I need it.
Lastly, I've picked up how to crochet! I wanted to do something with my hands that was different from drawing and cleaner than painting. It has been a blast doing something for myself. That has been a goal of mine this year: learn how to take care of myself and recognize that it is not selfish or wrong when done right. I don't know when I'll master this but I've learned that hard way that you really do matter and need to be prioritized just as much as everybody else.
Last night we saw fireflies :) My heart skipped a beat. Those little reminders....
That's all for now folks.
Paigey
P.S. I'll have to explain the adventure of the "Spider in the Bed" next time.
While driving out here I surprisingly got sappy and emotional. No, no, no, not because of the move or because of a "scary new place" (which I haven't ever really felt). It was because there was a point when I realized we had finally said GOODBYE to mountains and HELLO to trees! I got overwhelmed with so much joy. This is weird to describe this but I'll try my best to explain. Living in the mountains is hard for me emotionally-but I do my best to find the good and to not complain. I think I do a pretty dang good job, because I really do find good things about them. But, when we arrived in tree place and we got "suffocated" by them as I described it was like this huge burden was lifted off of me. I felt like "it was all worth it, I did it, this is my reward for trying to find the good in all things". I know, it sounds like bogus, but it felt so good.
Moving here meant that we got to see the Janes family in West Lafayette. Their home was beautiful, it was amazing to see a familiar face, and I felt such comfort in being in the home of a friend. I feel so blessed to have lived in places that I always find someone that I know whether I realize it or not.
This brings me to my next point/adventure. While here Jacob and I have wanted to be proactive in this opportunity and do things. We've gone to gardens, the art museum, downtown, restaurants, trails, etc. But, strangely the best part so far was an experience I had here in the Children's Hospital. It's funny how prayers can be answered. I had prayed that I would find ways to serve people despite knowing nobody and having no connections. I didn't think my prayer would be answered the way that it was, but when do they get answered the expected way? I got asked to play with a 3 year old boy in our ward who just moved in and has an infection from his cystic fibrosis and is in the hospital. I felt strongly like this is what I needed to be doing. Strangely, the lady in the ward that got asked to pick me up (lack of car) ended up being my second cousin! How weird is that? The little boy in the hospital....his mom is an Art Teacher! The executive secretary in our ward lived in the Valley Forge Stake!
As much as I have grown and progressed with being okay that PA is not my only home emotionally, mentally, and physically it really is nice to find little tastes of home. It's like Heavenly Father knows what I need right when I need it.
Lastly, I've picked up how to crochet! I wanted to do something with my hands that was different from drawing and cleaner than painting. It has been a blast doing something for myself. That has been a goal of mine this year: learn how to take care of myself and recognize that it is not selfish or wrong when done right. I don't know when I'll master this but I've learned that hard way that you really do matter and need to be prioritized just as much as everybody else.
Last night we saw fireflies :) My heart skipped a beat. Those little reminders....
That's all for now folks.
Paigey
P.S. I'll have to explain the adventure of the "Spider in the Bed" next time.
Thursday, May 14, 2015
The Last Supper
Today I realized how soon we are moving. We leave Tuesday!!! Like soon! I'm so excited but no matter how great or confident you feel there's always little bit of nerves. I'm not the only one like that, right?
Things I'm nervous for:
No internet while moving and screwing up my online school grades
No couch and a blow up mattress for the summer (hahah, I still laugh at this)
Feeling isolated because I won't be working
Jacob actually not liking this company (I doubt that)
MartÃn dying on our roadtrip there and back
Things I'm excited for:
Roadtrip! (I say this before we leave knowing I will regret this later)
Learning how to crochet better
A bajillion miles closer to the east coast and a culture that I might actually understand
Art museum
Opportunities for my sweet husband!
$$$$$ (Lesbihonest)
Humidity
Jacob and I....just the two of us!
Today we had dinner with Brindizi, Micah, and Kyle. It was great. We had a realization though that while Brindi is in China this fall, she's missing the "last semester" where all of us friends will be together in Rexburg. While I do feel ready to say goodbye to this place soon (sometimes not soon enough) I know I'm not ready to say goodbye to these people. I know I will see them again. *insert sappy sentence about how our friendship is forever*....but really. There's a difference between a friend and people you have lived with. Nothing breaks that. Anyways, Brindi leaves a couple days after we get back from Indy and arrives back to Idaho the weekend we'll probably leave after graduation this December. Hence the title "The Last Supper".
I love this place, my friends, and all the extreme crazy growth I've experienced. Today I was walking and thinking to myself: You know what? I may not have it all together and constantly wonder how everything is going to work out but guess what? It does! It always works out, I have my husband, we financially take care of ourselves, we have opportunities, and we have an incredible support system.
School is hard. I'm at my breaking point. Having your best friends live in different states/countries is hard. Having change be your constant is hard. But, I wouldn't have it any other way right now. It's funny how the saying goes "When it's right, it's right."
That's all for now folks,
Paigey
Things I'm nervous for:
No internet while moving and screwing up my online school grades
No couch and a blow up mattress for the summer (hahah, I still laugh at this)
Feeling isolated because I won't be working
Jacob actually not liking this company (I doubt that)
MartÃn dying on our roadtrip there and back
Things I'm excited for:
Roadtrip! (I say this before we leave knowing I will regret this later)
Learning how to crochet better
A bajillion miles closer to the east coast and a culture that I might actually understand
Art museum
Opportunities for my sweet husband!
$$$$$ (Lesbihonest)
Humidity
Jacob and I....just the two of us!
Today we had dinner with Brindizi, Micah, and Kyle. It was great. We had a realization though that while Brindi is in China this fall, she's missing the "last semester" where all of us friends will be together in Rexburg. While I do feel ready to say goodbye to this place soon (sometimes not soon enough) I know I'm not ready to say goodbye to these people. I know I will see them again. *insert sappy sentence about how our friendship is forever*....but really. There's a difference between a friend and people you have lived with. Nothing breaks that. Anyways, Brindi leaves a couple days after we get back from Indy and arrives back to Idaho the weekend we'll probably leave after graduation this December. Hence the title "The Last Supper".
I love this place, my friends, and all the extreme crazy growth I've experienced. Today I was walking and thinking to myself: You know what? I may not have it all together and constantly wonder how everything is going to work out but guess what? It does! It always works out, I have my husband, we financially take care of ourselves, we have opportunities, and we have an incredible support system.
School is hard. I'm at my breaking point. Having your best friends live in different states/countries is hard. Having change be your constant is hard. But, I wouldn't have it any other way right now. It's funny how the saying goes "When it's right, it's right."
That's all for now folks,
Paigey
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