I apologize for my gross negligence in failing to state five things you make not know about Marley. I was not yelled at for not doing this nor reminded a hundred times to do it. Here we go...
1. Marley is a mini-me even though she's almost as tall as me. We tend to have the same thoughts and opinions on matters and try to take care of everyone. She's a mini-mother.
2. She has an obsession with small things. There's some toy thing out that has everything in miniature. For example they have a miniature Cheez-It box and other grocery items, but they're all tiny. She has a habit of collecting these smallish things which leads me to #3.
3. She is an organized hoarder. I didn't think it was possible either, but she has so much stuff, and she can still find and pull out anything you ask for.
4. Marley is FEARLESS. Earlier this year she went to a dance at school by herself without knowing if any of her friends would be there. No sibling went with her, and she was perfectly fine and had a great time. I would have never done that at her age or even now for that matter. FEARLESS
5. She's pretty self-sufficient. She can take care of herself and even doesn't fret when trying to figure out how to do something new. For instance, when she's mailing a package, she just brings it to me all done, tape, and addressed. Normally I would have to do all those things for other kids at her age. Maybe she learned it by being the youngest and being completely observant of her siblings, but it still shocks me sometimes.
BONUS 6. Marley is not your average teen. She loves her braces, looks forward to her retainer, loves approaching strangers to ask whatever question so her introverted family members don't have to, treats her hamster like a king, and a whole bunch of other things that don't scream teen to me. She's an absolute delight, and I have no idea what I would do without her.
Happy Birthday, Marley! Thank you for being amazing! I love you, Momma.
