A is for Anderson

ANDERSON

My family/maiden name

My family is pretty amazing. Although we don't see one another very often, and some of us rarely talk, we know that no matter what, we're here for each other.

Samantha is named after my Grandpa Anderson, Samuel. From what I remember of him (he passed away when I was four), he was pretty incredible. From what my grandma has said, he was very proud of my dad, and loved having grandkids. The one thing I really do remember, is for some reason I had to leave Disney World early (I know, right!) with my grandparents... they had the Toyota Cressida (My first car, and fire hydrant attractor)... and Grandpa let me stick my head out of the sunroof going down the road. I remember I wasn't supposed to tell my parents... and I think they bribed me with ice cream. But I still remember that. And carried on the legacy of sticking heads out of sunroofs in the Cressida while going down the road.

My grandmother, Millie, is still kicking... she's 88 years old, but you wouldn't know it. She is definitely a character, always having something to say... and over the years I've learned not to really take what she says to heart. "You could be a model if you lost a little weight." This said to a 10 year old me! Ok, so I still remember that stinging comment, but have learned to accept that it's just Grandma. She says what she thinks. In spite of it all, she's really wonderful, and loves us all and supports us with love and generosity.

Then there's my Daddy... oh Dad... haha, kidding.

My dad is an incredible role model, although none of us (my brothers & I) seem to listen to his advice regarding life, financial responsibility, etc, even though, sometimes (don't let this go to your head) he's right. But not all the time, like he seems to think. He's very opinionated, and stubborn... apparently I'm like this?! He worked hard his working life to provide a great life for my family. We weren't spoiled with daily things like toys, clothes, etc, but we did go on amazing vacations every summer, and it's those memories that have lasted.

Next, comes my mother... Married into the Anderson family...

My mom is down to earth. Lovable. And wears her emotion on her face. "Watch the face!" She was always there for us as kids, a stay at home mom, working hard to make sure we were learning, living, loving. I always thought it was easy for her to be home all day, but now that I'm a stay-at-home Mommy, I realize that it's the hardest, and most rewarding job there is. Mom was always a volunteer for school field trips, she was a girl scout leader (the mean one), active in school functions, and there for us on sick days or when we needed to talk. She still is.

Then it's the Anderson Twins (cue evil haunting music now)... Michael & Jason
I kid. But apparently, if something went wrong in the neighborhood, everyone suspected the "Anderson Twins." My brothers are fraternal twins... and hilarious when together. When I was younger, I was always jealous of their relationship because they were so close, twins, same age (obviously), etc. This June, Jason moved from Atlanta to Florida, and it was the first time that Michael & Jason have lived that far apart from one another.

Finally, there's me... not much to say. I'm stubborn, impatient, and honest.

So, I've decided to do blogs of the alphabet... this was A... we'll see what else I fin to write about.

Melissa