Exactly 21 years, 2 weeks ago I was sitting in Berthold next to a large bronze buffalo trophy that read, "North Dakota FFA 9th Grade Agricultural Mechanics State Champion."

That's right, I was the state 9th grade ag. mechanics winner. I imagine that is a significant reason why Betsy married me.

And believe it or not, 19 years, 2 weeks ago I was selected to go to the National FFA convention to participate in the Advanced Agricultural Mechanics contest. Again, another reason I believe I was able to marry such a women. She loves a guy who can talk about sprayer calibration and electrical wiring diagrams.

I once fixed a boat motor with a first aid kit, repaired a canoe with a large rock and 24 inches of Duct tape, and almost fixed a school bus power steering problem with a playground kickball and 5 zipstrips.

However, I have met a challenge that concerns me as Betsy and I become parents within the next couple weeks.

I am staring at GRACO Pack'n Play and I am stunned at the amount of parts still left over. I have no idea what to do with the remaining 3 metal rods, the square yard of mesh, and four miniature owls stuffed into a ziplock bag!

We are getting pretty excited and can't wait to let you know about baby Debertin.

The picture above was taken at 38 weeks on a night full of mosquitoes. This was the only one we weren't swatting. But, wanted to give you a peak at Betsy's belly.

Hope to talk to you soon!