Holy Cow I'm Getting Married: A Mega-Update From Michigan

I can't believe that two months have lapsed since my last update. This summer has flown by. I will therefore of repent of my sins of blogmission by highlighting the major events of the past two months.

From the time I graduated to when I left for Michigan I worked at the Jordan Narrows Pumping Station for the Provo River Water Users' Association. By far the chillest job I've ever had, I thank Bateman for this hook-up. I got paid to check gauges every four hours and sleep all by my lonesome. I worked from 6:30 PM to 6:30 AM four days a week. It gave me my own "kingdom" complete with windmills, fish, deer, a river, insects, and trains.

One of the coolest aspects of this job was that friends and family could come and visit at any time. Mark and his friends and Dave came several times to chill and fish. We mostly caught catfish and a lone carp. Also, Meghan's work was about five minutes away, so she often came to visit me after she got off of work.

Shortly before we left for Michigan we went boating at Pineview. Just a few days later when we brought the boat into the shop we learned that the entire engine housing was totally rotted out beyond repair. Sad day. This boat has been in the family since around 1980. I've known it all my life. Now it's gone. Here's to you, Stoddard Family Boat: 1980-2007.

My brother Mark is now Elder Stoddard and in the MTC preparing to go to Chile. He went in June 20th. In the days before he left, we spent some good times going to the Salt Lake Temple together, eating steak at Kitty Papas (seen above), buying Father's Day presents at Rite Aid at midnight, chatting, and laughing a lot. Yup, I miss him. But he's enjoying the MTC and going to be a super missionary.

Swag, my roommate of three years and one of the best friends I've ever had got married on June 22nd. Hard to believe that three years ago we'd all be old and married by this point. I love Squeegin and I love Tanya. I wish them the best of luck and will miss them in my life.

My 24th birthday was by far my best in recent memory due to Meghan and her family birthday traditions. My day began with breakfast in couch (darn honor code) complete with wrapped cupcakes with candles inserted into them. Throughout the day, I received some sweet presents, including a wicked cool Transformers action figure and tickets to see the movie. Lunch was also amazing and Megs also took me go-carting. Thanks again for the amazing birthday, Megs!

As my limited days in Utah coincided with my waning days of singlehood, my friends gathered together for a bachelor party in my honor. I was pleased at the high turnout. All the necessary elements for a successful send-off for a prospective groom were present at this event: guns and steak. Before we dined on ribeye and virgin margaritas at the Texas Roadhouse, we went skeet shooting. From old roommates to elementary school friends, from mission buddies to new roommates, I've truly been blessed with a cadre of loyal and good friends.

Ever since July 2nd I've been in Michigan. It's been trademark Deibel intensity. There was the Fourth of July, camping at Rifle River, and the reunion "Up North" (seen above). Yup, I'm a member of the clan for all intensive purposes. I've had nothing but good times here, and look forward to living here. And, as always, the food has been delicious and plentiful.

Meghan went through the Detroit Temple and received her endowments on July 17th and had a most pleasant experience. What an awesome experience it was to take her there and to have her family supporting her. I look forward to going to the temple very regularly with Megs.

And here I am...almost exactly five hours away from being eternally sealed to the most amazing girl I've ever met. This life moment has arrived. Interesting this marriage dealio...you're expected to do it after only being an adult for a few short years and only once. I don't know if anything can ever truly prepare you for something so life changing...but I'm ready. Meghan is everything I've ever wanted in a companion. I know my life with be forever blessed by her love. I love you, Meghan. Here's to us and our family, on this the day of our marriage for time and all eternity.