Category: Positivity

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. (1 John 4:7)

It’s a little known fact by current SLDM families, but when Rhonda Irving first taught at our beloved school in Fishers, she began her time instructing much smaller children. Each of my three sons had her as a teacher during their time at SLDM, and the first was my oldest son, Nick– as a third grader! Rhonda had a job share with Shannon Hall and that’s when I got to know her. He’s a junior in college now, so I’ll let you figure out the math on how long that means she’s been at SLDM. She was a blessing to all three Thieme boys, and we are grateful.

Rhonda is a stunningly beautiful and always fashion forward woman. A mom of 3, she and her husband, Doug, have two sons and a daughter. Because her sons are the same ages as mine, I had the pleasure of watching her parent Andrew and Bret while they were students in the building at SLDM. Morgan tagged along and was always just as shiny as her mom. It seems fitting on this Mother’s Day weekend to honor a woman who loves with her whole heart. Her smile really can light up an area!

I have lots of memories of Mrs. Irving as a teacher over the years. Many of us with children in the SLDM Class of 2012 lovingly referred to her as “Dharma” after the old sitcom called “Dharma and Greg”. The character on the show was the child of parents who were hippies and it showed in her sunny, giggly and easy-going disposition as well as her fun attire and propensity to go barefoot and take life not so seriously. Rhonda always kept things fairly loose and did a great job of loving up all our kids– and she reminded us of the best qualities of that character with her “boho” style and sunniness I suppose.

In more recent years, I found myself smiling at many SLDM Honor Roll ceremonies as she wanted to celebrate every child’s accomplishments with a hug. For my german-stoic youngest kiddo, that hug from Mrs. Irving was always kind of a moment of silly awkwardness. She knew he wasn’t super comfortable hugging, and he knew she was going to do it anyway…and secretly he wanted that love and affirmation. I saved a few photos of those moments just so I wouldn’t forget how she makes me grin. The fact is, she knows her students and their little quirks. Teachers like that who care about each individual kiddo are truly a gift.

Rhonda is a woman who chooses to love others. Sometimes it’s easy, and sometimes it is a stretch…but she honors others in her path with kindness and her gorgeous smile and I have always, always respected that about her.

Thank you, Rhonda, for all you have done for the Thieme family over the years. We wish you and your beautiful family health and every happiness. We’ll miss you as we exit SLDM! Happy Mother’s Day to you! You’re a great teacher and a fantastic mom we’ve been so blessed to encounter over these many years!

Your eyes saw me unformed; in your book all are written down; my days were shaped, before one came to be. (Psalm 139: 16)

Wise, courageous, and dignified, my friend Shannon Wenninger is the mother to two grown children, Lily and Emma. She’s also the wife of a pretty solid guy named Lee as well as a Northwestern grad. She’s a big smarty-pants and a cherished friend.

Shannon’s got an amazing story. Her life is a very full and sometimes even chaotic one. Juggling her job responsibilities, her Fishers-based business, motherhood and marriage cannot be an easy task. However, she’s faithful, wicked smart, and the owner of a delicious, self-deprecating sense of humor… and with those tricks in her bag, she marches on! There’s much to admire about Shannon, but as we make our way through the month of May, I’d be remiss if I didn’t let her know that it’s her fierce and unconditional love of her daughters that shines brightest for me. It’s a love so beautiful that in her sharing about the qualities and characteristics of each of her children that makes them truly shine in her heart and mind, I hear the kind of grace and joyfulness that only a woman filled with Christ can contain.

She’s talented, positive, and the owner of a remarkable work ethic. Her emotional intelligence is off the charts and her success isn’t about luck at all. Shannon’s just flat out a badass. If you’re fortunate enough to have her in your life, consider yourself the lucky one. I know I do. She’s an affirming, authentic woman and a genuine friend I utterly treasure.

I like the little scripture quote above because the implication there is that the Lord is in charge of our lives, from the very beginning to the utter end. I’m grateful to Shannon who’s witness of perseverance and goodness have taught me that when we trust our story to the One who wrote it, then wherever we might be right now, the Author who is Love itself will provide the happy ending.

Thank you, Shannon, for sharing with me a little piece of your beautiful heart. I love you, my friend.

There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship. –St. Thomas Aquinas.

There is no substitute for hard work. –Thomas A. Edison

Typically, I don’t write about folks from the same family in such close proximity to one another, but the family I have focused on this week seems to celebrate just a plethora of birthdays in the month of May! The above photo I featured just a couple of days ago, on the occasion of Alli Andriole’s “Sweet 16”. Today, I want to honor her older brother, Nick, who is pictured at left, because today is his 21st birthday! Happy Birthday, Nick Pat!!

Nicholas Patrick Andriole, who I affectionately call “Nick Pat” is older brother to Jake and Alli and the son of Rich and Janet. When he was in grade school, he and my son, who is also named Nick, became the best of friends. They spent countless hours together…and his mom declared fairly early on that she refused to call her own son by his last name. So, to differentiate between the two, she informed us all that they would be henceforth referred to as “Nick Pat” and Nick Fred”. It stuck. To this day, that’s how I usually refer to both of them!

Nick Pat is a amazing young man who is filled with compassion for others. The good Lord also graced him with an extra large helping of integrity. HOWEVER, this handsome young man has one quality which defines him for me. He is THE HARDEST WORKER EVER. This kid’s work ethic puts the rest of us to shame. He’s humble, unassuming and with not a shred of the scourge of entitlement with which many young people seem to be afflicted.

Despite the adversity of learning challenges stemming from his dyslexia diagnosis in grade school, this kid continued to achieve both academically and athletically. He’s a talented baseball player who attends the University of Dayton. I don’t know exactly what he plans to do with his degree when he finishes it up next year, but he would make an incredible teacher and coach to young people. I read a great quote this week, which was attributed to Rick Warren who said, “Other people are going to find healing in your wounds. Your greatest life messages and your most effective ministry will come out of your deepest hurts.” I absolutely adore the uplifting message and believe with all my heart that Nick Pat will spend his life in service to the Lord by witnessing to young people in some capacity and reaching many who need to see the loveliness of his example. His strength of character, as well as his own experiences in the classroom and on the ball field will be a beacon of light for others. That’s how it’s going to go down, I’m not even a little unsure.

This young man is strong, loyal and he is a gentleman. He’s faithful, integrity-filled and unflinchingly honest. As he continues to mature, his positive “can-do” attitude and stunning work ethic will take him far. Young man, I am speaking for the entire Thieme clan when I say that we wish you nothing but success and happiness. Your enthusiasm and sunshine have long been a blessing to me personally and to my entire family. We love you, Nick Pat! Happy 21st Birthday, kid. Stop in for a hug when you get home, okay? The drinks are on the house!!

Out of all the people on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be his treasured possession. (Deut. 14:2)

When Connor and Zach were getting close to school age, I had a rather heated conversation with his mom, Shannon. You see, Con is only three weeks older than my youngest son. Shan was super annoyed that I decided to wait a year and send Zach the fall AFTER Con. She wanted to “force” them to be friends so we could sit beside each other at all their school and sporting events. I told her I felt pretty darn confident she was going to have NO PROBLEM making love connections with all kinds of SLDM parents and that any son of hers would not struggle in the friend department. She looked at me with that twinkle in her eye and said, “Sweet talk works with me, but I am still super bugged, Shelly Thieme!!”

From the first time I met him, there was one thing about Connor that stood out. Good golly that kid was fast! He could run up and down the hallway at school, or around “Mom Mom” and “Pop Pop’s” pool deck like a speed demon and it definitely transferred to the ball field! Con and Z ended up playing several seasons of summer baseball together and it didn’t take long for anyone to figure out that if the kid made it on base, he was going to score a run. If the 3rd base coach didn’t tell him to steal, there was always still a better than even chance he was going to do it anyway. It gave me great joy to watch him frustrate every opposing coach with his quickness.

Con is a caring brother to 4 younger siblings, with whom he is pictured above. He’s a hard worker and a good and loyal friend to many. When he gives away a smile, it’s a treasure, and he means it. He is cherished by many, a thing which can be hard to remember when you are a high school freshman…because it’s a low man on the totem pole kind of year. I hope you know, Con, that even if your computer dies or your day was completely crummy, or the seniors are being putzes to the underclassmen…there are just endless numbers of people who love you and care about you so very much with no strings attached.

I admire the way you scoop up “the littles” and how much you care about them and your entire family. I don’t really understand the Auburn thing, but I think it’s super cool that you are passionate about your team and you feel confident enough to just do you and love on those Tigers and that you don’t seem to need anyone to give you permission or join in. You are just an incredibly gifted, unique and special baseball loving young man. Your strength of character and authenticity make you shine.

I’m two days late on your birthday, but like I told Alli, I believe in the “festival” approach to birthdays and I always try to make them last a little longer than maybe other people. So, HAPPY 15TH BIRTHDAY Connor Hall from all the Thieme family! We think you are the real deal!

Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy. (Psalm 26:2)

Sassy and utterly beautiful, Alli is a free spirit who is celebrating her 16th birthday this week! She’s the only daughter and youngest child of Rich and Janet Andriole– and little sister to Nick and Jacob. She’s pictured with them, above. I’ve known her for most of her life, and I have always considered her presence a blessing to me and to our entire family.

Allison has a smart, sarcastic sense of humor that makes me cackle. She’s direct and utterly forthright. She’s outspoken and filled with strength and passion. I always admire the work of the Lord when I think of Alli because the Master Gardener certainly created something truly special in this young lady. She’s at that age where she’s really on the verge of blooming into a woman that will, I predict, be fierce, loyal and an amazing ray of sunshine. She’s already a huge blessing in the lives of her parents, siblings and her many young cousins.

I’ll be honest, Alli reminds me of her mother. She has the same sunny face and eyes that twinkle. Determination is the name of her game. She’s the kind of person, even when she makes a mistake, who knows it’s not time to give up or give in….it’s time to let her character be seen, to dig in. I admire that perseverance and have often thought I could use another dose of the same in my own life.

During a large part of their formative years, Alli and my youngest son Zach spent a lot of time being “forced friends”. Her older brothers are a perfect match for my older two and when the families spent time hanging out, the two youngest had each other or no one. Alli never complained about being saddled with a little boy two years her junior. She was compassionate and cheerful, always concerned for Z’s well-being and making sure he was taken care of properly. To this day, they really do have a special bond, even though their visits are much more infrequent.

Silly grins that beam light into the room are a specialty of this young lady. I simply love the way she smiles, and whenever I encounter Allison, I always leave feeling that Jesus paid a visit to my day. I know your birthday was yesterday, sweet girl, but I believe in the “birthday festival” approach to celebration….so we are not quite done yet…hate your luck! I think you are the cat’s meow, Allison Andriole! HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND SO MUCH LOVE, ALLI-CAT. (See what I did there….ha?!!) I hope your “SWEET 16” is the best year yet!

There is no way to be a perfect mother, but a million ways to be a great one. –Jill Churchill

As the month of May progresses, I find myself looking around my life and appreciating all the terrific moms that surround me. Today, as I think about our Blessed Mother and how thankful I am for her intercession on our behalf, I find myself wanting to share with you a little about a stunningly beautiful mom of four named Deedy.

Sunny, generous and incredibly kind, Deedy is the wife of a talented and very bright guy named Ted, but everyone I know calls him “Doc.” Her children are Luke, Matt, Jake and Olivia. Each one of those four kiddos are more charming, athletic and talented than the last. Just like their mother, they have beautiful smiles. What’s even more special is that they clearly care a great deal about one another– and are stunningly supportive of each other as well. Good parenting? I’d say “heck yes!”

Deedy was my first high school team mom mentor. I asked her every dumb question about handling high school kids, senior nights, end of year banquets and she helped me along patiently and laughed at me only a little. She’s unbelievably selfless and truly gracious with her time and energy. Going completely out of her way for the benefit of other people’s children is just the way she rolls. She’s nurturing to every child she meets. So thoughtful is Deedy that even if she’s upset, she’ll likely never let on. Her positivity and enthusiasm is second to none!

Deedy, I admire so much about you, but most of all I admire the kind of supportive mom you are to those four beautiful young people! Their love for one another makes my heart happy as an outside observer. Your faithful heart, grace and joyfulness inspires me to work on the same in my own life!

Waste no time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one. -Marcus Aurelius

Day 123 of 365: Stan Vanderkleed

A straight-shooter with a heart of gold, Stan Vanderkleed is celebrating his 50th wedding anniversary today! Happy Anniversary, Stan and Nancy!! I am told that my Dad was the best man at that wedding half a century ago, so perhaps that explains why Stan and his wife Nancy have always been a fixture in my life too! It seems like a great day to celebrate some of the things that make Stan the man just a fantastic guy!

An epically talented storyteller, with an affinity for Elvis Presley, I truly don’t think I know a single soul who can match Stan’s wit when it comes to holding a room captive with a tale. Oh my goodness, he can tell a story about a dead rabbit and make you laugh about it for a week! He’s a blue collar guy with an incredible work ethic who always seems to me to be happy when I see him. Stan is the definition of integrity. He takes pride in doing a good deed for others, and he wears his heart on his sleeve.

Good-hearted and faithful, Stan is a husband and also a grandfather to several terrific kids– some in Lafayette and some in Chicagoland. He’s inspiring for the way he productively uses his time to benefit those around him….with his skills as a plumber, or his time as an involved father and grandfather, or as a friend. Being around Stan is plain good for morale. He takes pride in his community and everyone around him knows he can be counted on to help in any way he’s able.

For instance, once several years ago, Tom and I had a bad water leak that seemed to be coming from inside the walls in our home. We didn’t know what to do about it and the initial plumber we had out couldn’t figure out the source of the problem. Somehow, Stan became aware of the situation and he drove an hour from Lafayette down here to Indy to take a look at the situation. Thankfully, it didn’t take him long to find the source of the crisis and he saved the day. Who offers to make a two-hour round trip to take a look at a mystery leak? Stan Vanderkleed. That’s who.

I’m posting the fancy picture of Stan and Nan today because it is after all their 50th anniversary, but also there’s a photo here of them both with some of the grandkids who they were getting ready to take on a mission trip. In it, Stan looks more like the guy I know. He’s an unfancy and very authentic guy who loves the Indy 500, and he’s as genuine a man as you will ever find. His word is as good as gold, but don’t ask him for fashion advice. I am pretty sure he’s colorblind. In fact, I remember his daughters, Jill and Erin, having some good natured fun teasing him about having a purple toolbox– and he had no idea if they were telling the truth or not! This world would be a MUCH more integrity filled place if there were a few more guys like Stan. That’s what I know for sure this Friday afternoon!

Stan, knowing you and watching you live your life and the way you love others has definitely made me a better person. Tom and I are so blessed to know you! I wish you many more years of happiness and health with Nancy, Jill and Tony, Erin and Brad….and all the grandkids! You are the real deal!!