Smart (duh)
Real - very real
Pretty
Gentle
Gifted (not only in the way you think)
Peaceful
Competitive (after Waddie's own heart!)
Loving
Strong
Musically Talented
Funny - dry and very funny
Likes to buy Waddie cosmos - yes, this is a fine quality!
Amazing Mother
Supportive Wife
Loving Daughter

Today I am blogging about my relatively new friend Elaine. And even though I've known her for only about a year, it seems much longer - in a good way. You see, today is kind of a big deal day for her. She is a molecular biologist who is speaking at an international conference in California on some work she's done. Isn't that amazing? She's not even 30 years old yet. And she's also the most hands on but laid back mommy I know. Her daughter is without-a-doubt the most well-adjusted, happy, loving child I've ever known - yes, even including my own! And it's because Elaine and Rob parent her so well and with so much love.

And when I say Elaine is gifted, I don't mean in the obvious ways (like through intelligence, beauty and talent - even though she is). To me she is gifted by the Lord in a unique fashion - she is incredibly intelligent (has her phD), creatively talented, deeply loving and kind, and amazingly real and well rounded. How many people do you know like that? I'm thankful for Elaine and her friendship. She and her family have become unofficial family to us - whether they wanted to or not!

And in our family, we celebrate "big deal days" like Elaine is having today. Go team! Yay Elaine!