Matthew Dean Titus, 12/30/08, 4:58 p.m., 6 lbs. 5 oz., 19.5 in

I really like this picture that was taken last month. Greg has been working real hard with this little filly of ours, Showman's Snap. She's not being real soft on the reins in this particular picture, but she has really come a long way since and has quickly become one of Greg's favorite colts. She's cowy as can be and doesn't look too bad either. :)

Latest Ultrasound

I love these ultrasound pics! It's so fun to look at them and try to think you can see what they might look like. In this case, it looks as though this one once again got my nose! :) I also love the one looking straight at his face... it's fun to see his chubby cheeks. The doctor said that he's measuring a little big for my due date (over 4 pounds!), so she's now willing to induce me before the end of the year-- as long as my body and this kid are ready, of course. We'll just have to hope that he wants to be a December baby!

Our Tinkerbell

Halloween 2008

Dani & Mom on Sugar Baby

Branding 2008

This just goes to show that there's nothing like a little girl and a horse!! Neither is scared at all!

Who is that handsome guy about to choke a rope onto that cow?

Dani & Daddy getting ready to go for a ride

on Red Man.

Dani & Mommy- Sept 2008

Laura Danielle Titus

Danielle (or Dani, as we call her) is now 2-1/2 years old and not a day goes by that she ceases to amaze her father and I. I guess we are like most first-time parents and can't get over the hilarious little things she thinks to say and do. She is a very happy, strong-willed little girl and has more energy than her pregnant mom can keep up with sometimes. It seems that just in the past couple months she has become so much more conversant and is really starting to get her father's knack for practical humor.

I think one of the things I love most about Dani is that she is the perfect mix between a girly-girl and a rough & tough tomboy. She adores anything having to do with Disney Princesses and loves to dress up, but she also would much rather be outside getting dirty and helping mommy or daddy work outside with the animals... especially the horses. She will be debuting her costume as Tinkerbell tonight at the ward Halloween Trunk-or-Treat, so we will be sure to post a pic or two of that one.

Matthew Dean Titus - ETA Jan 10, 2009

This picture isn't very recent (taken back in August), but it's the only one I have so far. We can't express how very excited we are for this little boy to join our family! So far, the pregnancy has been very uneventful and he is showing to be growing and developing as he should. His big sister is very excited for him to come and "play" with her sometime after Christmas. She always talks about what a big helper she will be when he gets here, so I hope that means we won't have any jealousy issues. Time will tell, I guess. Mom is getting a little impatient at this point and wondering if he's EVER going to get here, but I think that's the Lord's way of preparing moms for labor.

FINALLY!!

Well, I've finally done it... I've given in and created a blog for our family. I always seem to be walking around the ranch with a camera and have so many pictures that could easily be shared, so I think it's about time I put them somewhere where friends and loved ones can see them. Unfortunately, I never seem to be able to get pictures of Greg, Dani, and I all in one shot... and don't think it's Dani that is uncooperative. Her father HATES standing for posed pictures. I'll just have to hire someone to follow us around one of these days and try to catch us all in one shot. :)

We are all so very happy to be living here on the 71 Ranch, near Elko, NV. The 71 is a very large commercial cattle operation that has been running since the late 1890's. All of our herd runs on 100% deeded land- which is not a common thing among ranches these days. It comprises of some 38,000 acres (about 59 square miles) nestled in and at the base of the Ruby Mountains. It is absolutely beautiful here and the lifestyle is one that cannot be compared.

3 years ago, the 71 started allowing small groups of guests to come and participate in the ranching experience. Greg and I are the managers over the guest operations and really enjoy taking people out with us to work and educating them on the in's and out's of the beef industry. There are very few places out there that offer an authentic "cowboy" experience such as this, so word of mouth and good marketing are quickly making us a very desirable ranching vacation. We truly see nothing but immense amounts of growth over the next couple of years.

The best part of living & working where we do is that Greg, Dani, and I are able to be together most every day. My ability to work where I live and be able to be a "stay-at-home" mom has been an absolute dream-come-true for our family. It has been so important to us to be working together as a family and we hope that it always helps us to remain close despite the world's constant attempts to tear at the absolute heart of our civilization.