Flo Brantley~A Wonderful Lady

We just got a Facebook notice the other day.  A dear friend of ours, from our former Knightdale Ward family, passed away.  Sister Flo Brantley died unexpectedly.  Her heath had not been good for a while now but her passing away took us by surprise.  I meet Flo several years ago when the Knightdale Ward was organized.  We were meeting in the Zebulon Ward meetinghouse while the Knightdale meetinghouse when under construction (actually, the land had not even been approved/purchased yet).  She and her husband, Archie were quiet the couple.  They were always smiling and so happy to interact with people.  Both had just sunny dispositions.  Everyone just felt better by being in their presence. 

My first memory of Sis Brantley was when she taught our Relief Society class.  I'm not sure what the lesson was about but I do remember she shared her family's conversion story.  Archie and Flo served in the military (Marines, I'm 99% sure because Bro Brantley reminds me so much of my daddy, a former Marine.) Actually, they are very close in age and have very similar military backgrounds.  I think this is one reason I was so smitten with the Brantleys.)  Anyway, in honor of this wonderful, terrific lady, I thought I'd share this story.

Stationed and living on a military base, Archie and Flo Brantley had many interesting neighbors.  Many were described as quiet colorful.  Let me explain.  Archie and Flo didn't belong to a church.  On Sunday mornings, Archie would shine his boots on his front porch.  His neighbor shined his boots at the same time.  They'd shine and talk.  They would also see some of their fellow servicemen go to church on Sunday mornings.  Now, neither of these men went to church but they talked about the guys they saw going.  His neighbor was quick to point out that these men would party all week long and go to church on Sunday.  He made it clear in any uncertain terms they were hypocrites!  During these weekly, shoe shining dates, the two men talked religion.  Well, come to find out, the Brantley's neighbor was a less-active, cigar-smokin' Mormon!  The two men talked and talked religion...before they knew it, the less-active member had talked his way back into activation and yes, you guessed it, the Brantley family joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints!

The Brantley's were sealed in the temple.  They were blessed with children.  They raised their family up to be very active members of the church.  They sent children on missions and joyfully watched their children marry in the temple and begin their forever families.

Sister Brantley was a genealogy specialist for our stake.  She jokingly said missionary work for the dead was a lot easier that the missionary work here on earth.  The dead couldn't shut a door in your face (haha)!
Sister Flo Brantley will be greatly missed her on earth.  Her sweet husband will be completely lost her without her.  He doted on her and adored her so much.  It was so sweet to see the two of them together.  I know he will recieve much comfort knowing they have an eternal family and will live again together one day.

Flo and Archie Brantley's 50th wedding anniversary picture.

****Correction:  Bro Brantley served in the Air Force not Marines but he still reminds me of my daddy.

HaPpY Mother'S Day

Me, Mama and Taylor

Burlington, NC

(early Mother's Day brunch)



Happy First Mother's Day to Sarah

Happy "mother -to-be" Mother's Day to Danielle

Wishing all moms and moms-to-be a Happy Mother's Day!!!

I am continually blessed to have such treasured children in my life.  It is my honor to be their mom!

Cell Phones

I am becoming increasingly aware of society being dependent on technology as a crutch to get through each and every day.  Look around...it's not a matter of who has their phone with them but who does not have their phone.  Just this week, Greg and I made the observation that there isn't a time we are home in the evening when one of us (Greg, Taylor or I) aren't using our smartphones for something.  Really?  That's just terrible.  Instead of actually talking to one another, we are playing Words with Friends with each other in the same room or checking Facebook or texting or goggling something online.

Don't get me wrong, technology have changed the lives of everyone and not necessarily for the bad.  The assess we have to the world is at our fingertips 24/7.  Before you know it, books will be a thing of the past; phone books are basically never used anymore (not in our house anyway); retail sales can be made online w/o every leaving the comfort of your home...in just a few clicks, you could purchase anything your heart desires. 

Technology has made this fast paced world in which we live definitely convenient but hasn't it taken away from our interaction with others, you know, human interaction????  At school, we don't really even need our mailboxes anymore.  We can send out mass emails with out making copies (think of all the paper we're saving).  The postal service is cutting back hours because of the large use of Internet now.  Who would have thought the US Postal Service would be having cutbacks?!?!

Today, I got a phone call from Taylor (using Rachel's phone).  Her voice was in a pure state of panic.  I thought she had had an accident, maybe sick....something tragic.  Nothing of the sort, no emergency, no broken bones, bleeding or even trouble breathing.  She had left her phone at home!!!!  Oh no!  (I guess that was an emergency.) How would she survive a few hours without her phone?!?!?!?!?!  Now I have to admit, I've left me phone at home before and had to go back and get it.  I feel completely lost without my phone too.  I didn't let my daughter to hopelessly go without her phone, I took it to school and put it in her car.  I can only hope she can make it until she goes to her car at lunchtime.

As for the Dixons, I think we are going to make more effort to put our phones away in the evening and get back to the basics of family interaction.  After all, isn't family the most important thing it life?  For the Dixons, it is:)

The McPherson Family

I love keeping in touch with the family...I know that's pretty obvious since the title of my blog is "Life as the Dixons".  Well, I haven't made any posts lately about Tiff and Clint.  Tiffany, Clint and Saydee live in Leesville, LA or as Clint affectionately calls it "Sleesville".  There isn't much to do there for sure.  We'd love for them to be back in NC but until the Army will relocate Clint, we'll just have to make the best of the situation. They have had to spend a lot of time apart over the past few years.  So no matter where they are, they are just happy to have their family together!  Greg and I are happy if they are happy!

Clint and Saydee taking a swim in their pool...so sweet!

Tiff and Saydee taking it easy...this is the MOST comfy couch ever!

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See...they are happy:)

Tiff and Clint and Saydee...we love ya'll and miss you bunches!!  Can't wait to see you again.