Shelly Thieme:

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 126:2-3)

Yesterday wasn’t my favorite day ever. It started out with my neighbor and carpool partner making an SOS call a few minutes after 7am. His car had broken down, he said, and he wanted me to come and scoop up the kids and get them to school. At that particular moment, I was in my bathrobe. My hair was looking not just a little like the online photos I have seen of Albert Einstein. Quickly, I threw on a Purdue hat and some yoga pants and off I went. Obviously, things happen and I was glad to help. I’ve been a stranded motorist, and it’s no fun. Still, it wasn’t an ideal start to the day. Later, when I was running errands, I ran into an acquaintance who confided about her need for prayers and the rough state of her marriage. It weighed on me. After that, I headed home for a bit. When I turned on the TV, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris was burning– badly. For a gal who has never even been to France, it struck me as an enormous gut punch all the same. It’s one of the most historic Catholic Churches in all the world! It’s full to the brim of priceless art and relics, including the crown of thorns. Gosh. It just really hit me hard. I said a prayer for the firefighters and the people of France.

There were blessings, too, in my Monday to be sure (like Shoebox Club) so it’s not like I was focused on being a “Gloomy Gus”, but it simply wasn’t the day I would have chosen. This morning when I woke up, I found a sunny day, and lots of news coverage about Notre Dame greeted me.

I’ll be honest, I was at a bit of a loss today about who I wanted to write about. Then, I decided I needed to make a choice to be JOYFUL and to smile. This is the reason I am choosing today to write about the very entertaining Erik Ives. He’s pictured above with his family.

Under his moniker on his Facebook page, it reads, “I’ve always got a joke, but sometimes they’re not very good.” Allow me to demonstrate his point.

Are you laughing despite yourself? I know, me too! And so it goes with Erik. He’s always got something silly to say. He’s the father of two incredibly bright kids, Renee and David, and the husband of a pistol named Holly. Erik is from the east coast, maybe Connecticut? I’m not sure, to be honest. Also, I have not a single clue what he does for a living. There’s an office involved though, I bet? I know he plays tennis and is a big smarty pants from CORNELL. Those are the types of people who usually have offices…?

As far as I am concerned, Erik’s defining quality is his VERY QUICK WIT. He’s also insanely bright. I’ve learned over time that if there’s a single trait I really need in others around me it’s that they have a good sense of humor. It’s usually a fairly telling indicator of intelligence and temperament too.

Several years ago, Erik and I were sitting at a CYO basketball game. His son, David, was on Zach’s team that year. My husband, Tom was the coach. As we sat in the stands, Erik began telling me how he and David had been working on basketball in the driveway but said they weren’t very impressive. I was not expecting there to be a punchline in this harmless chat, but nevertheless, it came quickly. “Yeah, we decided to play each other in a little one on one.” I replied, “Well, that’s awesome, who won?” Erik glanced up and said, “We played for about 15 minutes, but neither one of us made a shot. My people are historically more MATHlete than athlete. I wish Tom luck with the kid, though.” HAHAHA! It was then that I knew I liked Erik Ives. He’s got sass and spunk.

Laughter is definitely of God, and life is too short to be serious all the time. I haven’t spent a lot of time around Erik, but I admit that I stalk his social media a skosh. I have been known to snort and chuckle at his wisecracking. The world needs a whole heck of a lot more folks who are willing to laugh at themselves (and life) like Erik does. He’s a “go-to” for me when I need to lighten the heck up! Humor diffuses stress, am I right? He’s relatable and effortlessly funny. Erik’s kids are two very blessed young people to have such a character and character-filled guy as their Dad.

Thanks, Erik, for the sparkle, quirkiness and laughter you add to the world. You make me grin and giggle and those are two of my very favorite things! I am grateful to know you! You make the world a better place with your genuine smile and charm!!

Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do. –Steve Jobs

Day 105 of 365: Colleen Stine

When I first met Colleen, she was still Colleen O’Malia. She hadn’t added the “Stine” yet. She was “Aunt Coco” actually. That’s how I knew her because that’s how her oldest sister, Janet, my dear friend, always referred to her in my company, and so did her sunny sister, Shannon. My oldest two sons, Nick and Drew, called her “Aunt Coco” for a long time too when they were little guys. She was the energetic, light-filled “fun” aunt to some of the best kiddos around. Her nephews, Nick and Jake Andriole adored her, as did their little sis, Alli. Ditto her nephew, Connor. Danny hadn’t arrived on the scene yet, nor obviously the three gorgeous Stine kiddos in the photo above. She’s now married to just a kind and fantastic man named Doug, and they live nearby here in Carmel. I remember their wedding as one of the most fun evenings EVER.

Colleen is as genuine as she is transparent. She leads with humor and silliness…and usually there is a trail of kid-approved snacks falling from her vehicle when the door opens. Her life is beautiful and inspiring, but it is not easy. She leans hard on her husband, her parents and her faith. She and Doug now have 5 children, including Connor and Danny Hall, the sons of her sister, Shannon, who left this world waaaaay too soon. All that leads me to this quirky birthday tribute today.

Colleen. I read this quote below, and I wish I could tell you where I saw it. It makes my heart swell and my eyes leak a tiny bit too. It made me think of you today and just how much I truly love the woman you are.

“Some of the kindest souls I know have lived in a world that was not so kind to them. Some of the best human beings I know have been through so much, and they still love deeply, they still care. Sometimes, it’s people who have been hurt the most who refuse to be hardened in this world, because they would never want to make another person feel the same way they have felt. If that isn’t something to be in awe of, I don’t know what is.”

Colleen, I don’t know if you can see it from your frazzled, over busy angle but the rest of us are blown away by how you let God lead. Those words of Jesus, “Come, follow me” make me think of you, too, and what you have done so beautifully with your life by the stunning witness you give each day to all in your wake. Instead of being a big tangled mess on the floor when the noise of life overwhelms, you’ve opened yourself up to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and let the Lord lead you in the most grace-filled dance. Whether you realize it or not, yours is a life full of grace that truly does inspire everyone around you– even when you don’t remember practice and you forgot to order hot lunch!

Inspiring goodness in others is completely how you roll. I happen to think it, and YOU are stunning in every way. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, COLLEEN! The Thieme family is crazy about you!

Be an encourager. The world has plenty of critics already. -Dave Willis

A wise friend told me a number of years ago, on a day where I was holding a rather pathetic pity party, how important it was to notice and pay heed to the encouragers in our lives. Diane Vuotto has been such a person for me, though I doubt she knows it. She’s a mom to two stunningly beautiful young women, Gina and Elle, and the wife to Jim. I don’t know much about Diane’s background, if I am honest, except I think when our kids were young she told me she was from New Jersey. She’s pictured at right, above, with her terrific family!

Diane and I know each other just a bit, from several years with kids in school together at St. Louis de Montfort and then at Guerin Catholic High School. She’s outgoing and fun. Her gorgeous youngest even went to a high school dance with Drew if memory serves. As moms go, this gal is a phenomenal one, because her girls are full of sunshine and life just like their mom.

A number of years ago, I decided to start a blog– this one. I would write just now and then when something struck me as compelling and I felt I could add something positive to the world by engaging it a little. I wasn’t certain at all that the activity wasn’t just kind of narcissistic, and several times I considered discontinuing writing altogether- in all forms. Then, inevitably, I would post something and get a truly thoughtful response from Diane. She would tell me that I made her laugh and think, or that she appreciated my words. She did that by text and in person, more than once.

We don’t cross paths with people by accident. That’s what I believe. They are meant to show up in our lives. Something about her sassy and sarcastic sense of humor makes her authentic to me. Just by being herself, she encouraged me by her words to just go ahead and let folks see the flawed, quirky, silliness that is me. I thought, well, maybe it is a waste of time, but just maybe something good can come of it after all? Her lifting up helped me more than she might realize. I just wanted my life somehow to be an expression of God’s grace and goodness and my noodling at the keyboard helped me feel content, at peace. Diane’s a magnifier of strengths, a person who doles out valuable affirmations and she helped me decide maybe it wasn’t so narcissistic after all.

I read this cool quote yesterday and then I noticed that tomorrow was Diane’s birthday. It was clearly the Holy Spirit moving me to pay attention to the gift and the lovely witness of goodness that the Lord sent me several times through her. It said, “Encouragement is like oxygen to the human spirit. You’re carrying someone else’s air. Encourage them, help them breathe.”

So, Diane, you make me laugh and you have a beautiful heart. Thank you for cheering for others, for taking the time to let your light shine. I have taken your example of simple kindness and tried to run with it. THANK YOU, DIANE, FOR JUST BEING YOU! I think I’m a day early, but HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! YOU ARE A GEM!

“To reveal someone’s beauty is to reveal their value by giving them time, attention and tenderness. To love is not just to do something for them but to reveal to them their own uniqueness, to tell them that they are special and worthy of attention.” Jean Vanier

Day 103 of 365: Susan Barrett

This selfless, sunny and sassy mother of five is celebrating a birthday today! Happy Birthday, Susan Barrett! A native of Ft. Wayne and grad of Bishop Luers High School, our birthday girl is pictured with her very accomplished and beautiful daughter, Ellie! She’s married to pretty fabulous guy named Joe, and together the two of them have raised just an incredibly faith-filled and lovely group of kiddos who are now (mostly) grown!

Susan works at the O’Connor House (www.theoconnorhouse.org) where she serves as House Director. This is a very special place whose mission is to provide a Christian home to help single, pregnant, homeless women improve life for themselves and their children. Susan is literally the face of Jesus to countless folks everyday in her role at the O’Connor House, which is why I chose the quote above to honor her on her special day! She has a gift for making others feel that they are unique, important, and beloved!

It’s been my pleasure getting to know the Barrett family over the last few years, and here’s what I want to tell you about Susan. She’s got an enormous heart and a quick wit. When I see Susan, I am certain of two things. I will be getting a big hug, and probably I will be laughing in about 45 seconds. She’s absolutely filled with contagious joy! Her efforts for her family at home and at the O’Connor House are constant, continual, and unceasing. She seems to me a person who journeys with the Lord in the hustle of everyday life. There just isn’t any way to give the kind of positive energy to the world that she does without an overflowing bucket of grace– the kind born of a life spent loving Jesus.

Susan, I want to THANK YOU for providing me a stunning witness of what it looks like to love your neighbor. Each time I see you, I feel blessed by grace. You live your life shining a very bright light. We should all strive to follow your lead, my friend. Today, my rosary is for you and your intentions.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SUSAN!!

People are interested by talent. God is impressed by character. -Rick Warren

Day 102 of 365: Emily Kleck

It’s her beauty that might catch your attention, but it’s her character that has always captured my heart. Meet Emily Kleck. Emily is the “middle child” of Chris and Kit Kleck. She’s got a terrific older sister, Anna, and a handsome younger brother, Jack. Emily is a 19-year old freshman at New York University (NYU) where she is a standout on their volleyball team. This photo, above, I’ve stolen off her mom’s Facebook page is I assume from prom night at Cathedral last year. I just love it because you can really see her personality and sparkle in this shot!

This second photo is a picture Emily texted me on St. Patrick’s Day this year. I had sent t-shirts like this one to all the kiddos who are lucky recipients of our “Shoebox Club” college boxes. She is a sunny, grateful person who just wanted to say thank you and let me know she was rocking the new, festive shirt on the appropriate day. That is classic Emily behavior!

I first noticed Emily when she was in grade school. I’m fairly certain she’s the only person taller than my Drew in all the grade school photos of their class at St. Louis de Montfort! Ha! He’s got her by a few inches now, but Emily was always a stunner with very long legs. She’s strong, fierce, athletic and incredibly bright!

What first impressed me about Emily when I spent some time around her as a grade school girl was that she was incredibly articulate, friendly and grateful. She never, and I mean NEVER failed to spot me in the lunchroom, hallway, carpool line, or at mass…just anywhere our paths crossed…without taking the time to come and say hello. This is a rare and awesome quality that I have always appreciated when I see it in young people. She was and is now, always confident and friendly! Sometimes we underestimate the impact of a kind word or a smile. Emily has always seemed to grasp the importance of the small but lovely act of kindness.

Emily loves challenges, and she seem undeterred by any missteps, but rather enjoys the effort of learning something new. What a wonderful witness this makes her to others around her! What I am trying to say today is that while Emily is a stunningly beautiful young woman who is certainly graced with unusual and impressive athletic and academic acumen, what makes her truly great is the quality of her character.

I read this terrific quote by Teddy Roosevelt this week and it made me think of Emily, which is why I chose to write about her today.

“Character is far more important than intellect in making a man a good citizen or successful at his calling- meaning by character not only such qualities as honesty and truthfulness but courage, perseverance and self-reliance.“

How true those words ring to me today when thinking of the girl from Fishers, Indiana who chose for her college path New York City with all its bright lights, big crowds, and subways to navigate. From what I hear, she’s killing it in the city. That’s no surprise to me at all! Keep doing you, Emily! God loves the way you SHINE! Count me among your large crowd of fans…and come see me for a hug when you come home for a visit, ok sweet girl! I think you are THE BOMB!

“And this is the job of the catechist: constantly to go forth to others out of love to bear witness and to talk about Jesus, to proclaim Jesus. This is important because the Lord does it; it is the Lord that impels us to go forth.” –Pope Francis

Being a 2nd grade teacher is the job of a hero, no matter what school. To do this job in a Catholic School, however, is really a calling unto itself. It requires the typical classroom control (which is not easy with a couple dozen sets of 7 and 8 year-olds to manage), then there’s the Math, English, Social Studies, Science, etc. For teachers with students in Catholic School, this job also includes sacramental preparation for two of the Sacraments in the Church– First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. For the uninitiated, let me tell you….it’s kind of a big deal.

Meet Heather Sears. She is a wife and the mother of two (mostly) grown and terrific sons, Chase and Conner. I also know her to be a treasured friend to many. That’s no surprise to me since I’ve seen her quiet acts of kindness many times over the years. She’s got a friendly face and an easy smile for everyone. As a teacher, she is firm but patient and very loving. I’ve noticed her graciously accept gifts from children that might be otherwise classified by yours truly, but the fact is they chose it for her and she understands the proper disposition necessary when a child gives you a gift– even if it’s a muddy rock.

I love the kind-heart, generosity, and genuine loveliness that is Heather. She’s funny and the owner of a silly sarcasm that makes me smile. I think the Lord loves living in Heather because of the beautiful way she treats others. She teaches His little ones to follow Jesus before the world tries to teach them the opposite. Imagine being tasked with teaching about how Christ is the bread of life and the cup of eternal salvation alongside math facts? I mean, that’s a darn big job, am I right?? So many families have been blessed because they have found Heather Sears leading the classroom of their child at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic School in Fishers, IN.

Life hasn’t always been easy for Heather, but I’ve watched her put one foot in front of the other and keep going during trying times. Her attitude has always been positive–no matter how large the challenge. She’s a woman who chooses to love, and ultimately, it’s all about making that choice day after day. Sometimes it’s easy and other times it just isn’t. Heather is the kind of person who chooses to return negativity with kindness– and I think the Lord smiles down on her and loves her for it!

Tomorrow as you celebrate your birthday, Heather, I hope you will know how much it matters what you have done with your life, your talents and your heart. You have made such a difference for so many children and their families. For some of us watching you from nearby, you’ve inspired a desire to love and serve the Lord in our own lives with the same joyful and willing heart. Thank you always for gracing me with your beautiful smile when I see you! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HEATHER!

Love all in God and for God, all will be well. -St. (Mother) Theodore Guerin

Day 99 of 365: Mary Ann Grove

When I was about the same age as the handsome young man standing with her, above, I was also a student at St. Lawrence Catholic School in Lafayette and Mary Ann Grove was my third grade teacher. Well, actually, she was “Miss Mecklenberg” back then. I realize now she must have been just a baby, because it’s been a while since I’ve been in the third grade! I recognize that sanctuary behind her in the photo from my grade school years. It’s gotten some updates over time, but the words in the background that are cut off by the photo read, “If you love me, keep my commandments.”

As teachers go, “Miss Mecklenberg” was really just remarkable. She smiled and she laughed a lot. She had a great sense of humor and that infectious laughter filled the classroom with her sunshine. I had a large class all through grade school, and in most years, our numbers hovered north of 35 students. There was only one classroom per grade, and the vast majority of my classmates were boys. In other words, there was a lot of noise and chaos. I don’t know how they do things now, but back then, the classes took turns preparing the school masses. When it was our turn, teachers would choose students to read, bring up the gifts, etc. At this age, there were quite a few readers always chosen, as in addition to the mass readings and responsorial psalm, she would have a different student read each petition. It really was amazing how many children she managed to involve as I look back on it.

However, I remember so vividly being truly disappointed that I was NOT chosen to help that fall of 3rd grade year. I’m pretty sure I had a minor meltdown over it. Nothing has changed with me over time when things don’t go my way…ha? The poor woman! That last thing she needed in her jammed full classroom was another high maintenance kid. She really could have rolled her eyes and told me to get over myself. Who would have blamed her? That’s not what she did, though. Instead, she pulled me aside later and told me she had something very special in mind for me for our Christmas mass in a few weeks if I could be patient. I received her kindness as a great gift. I do not recall her words exactly but I remember very clearly how she made me feel loved and valued.

Thank goodness God sees our hearts and His love isn’t dependent on how we act. He’s a lot like Mary Ann Grove that way. Some teachers are so filled with compassion for their students that they truly are the face of Christ everyday. I recall her as a woman who was always lifting up, holding, and serving others. The work of her hands was something to behold, and her witness of what it looks like to love others first has always stuck with me as something I wanted to emulate. The world sometimes overlooks gems like Mary Ann Grove. To the students, friends, family members and community that she has touched over the years, there are few gifts more precious than those shared by this amazing woman.

This weekend as she celebrates her birthday, I wanted to take a moment to reach out and say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to one of the finest teachers I’ve ever encountered! I’ve been gone from Lafayette for a while, but I’ve kept an eye on you. What you have spent your life doing is one of the most beautiful things imaginable! I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to be a student in one of your classes! I hope all your people love you up like crazy this birthday weekend! THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU!

Even when alone, be cheerful, remembering always that you are in the sight of angels. –St. Therese of Lisieux

Stunningly beautiful, isn’t she? I’ll admit I’ve had hair and skin envy forever! This is Theresa Clark. I’ve known Theresa for several years as she has been a junior high teacher at St. Louis de Montfort for….quite a while. She’s right in the middle of teaching my youngest at the moment. I’m sure that last Thieme kid leaving the building will be a tough loss for her, ha?! One thing that confounds me about Theresa is that she NEVER AGES. She taught my oldest son, Nick, in 7th and 8th grade and he is a junior in college now. Theresa looks EXACTLY the same. I always wonder to myself what is her secret?

Theresa is a phenomenal human being and very famous dog lover. To say that her dog, Tillie, is beloved would be a major understatement. However, that is not what I most adore about Theresa. What makes her outstanding to me is that she is just plain cheerful. No matter what her day is like, Theresa can be counted on for just a gorgeous grin. Her smile is one that melts hearts. She smiles with her whole face, and even her eyes twinkle. It’s almost as if she instinctively knows that it simply doesn’t take any more effort to see the good than it does to focus on the bad.

Theresa warms others around her with her positive glow. I’m sure she doesn’t always FEEL perky and sunny, but it’s what she gives the world, and our world is one in DESPERATE need of such selflessness. On one of my most difficult days of 2019, I ran into Theresa at church at SLDM. She had no way of knowing that the news I had received that day was really tough, she simply did what she does and she smiled at me and said, “Good morning, Mrs. Thieme!” It was a tiny moment to her, but to me that day, it felt like the Lord smiling at me and just telling me to take a deep breath. I needed a little bit of Jesus and there was Theresa with her kindness. She goes out of her way to smile and her laugh is just genuine and lovely. She’s got a great sense of humor and I have to believe she’s a joy to have as a teaching partner. She throws light into the world, it’s just who she is!

Theresa, I feel truly fortunate that my three sons have had such a genuine, faith-filled, and lovely human teaching them social studies over the years. As a parent, it’s very heartening to be greeted with a smile by my child’s teacher– it’s a thing you never fail to do– even when I know that a classroom full of hormonal teenagers must have gotten the better of you now and then. I’m thankful for how hard you work, how much you care, and who you are! The Thieme clan will surely miss Theresa Clark!! You are a big scoop of awesome!

“There is no personal charm so great as the charm of a cheerful temperament.”

Like a shepherd he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs, carrying them in his bosom, leading the ewes with care. (Isaiah 40:11)

The Raver girls hail from Bateville, Indiana. If you’re following along with my “Mad for” series, you’ve already met one of them, Renee (Raver) Schwegman. Today, I want to tell you a little about the other amazing Raver sister, Kathy (Raver) Cruz. Kathy is the husband to Charlie and mother of sweet Lilah and Max. Sorry, Renee, but it appears to me that Kathy is definitely the “responsible sister”. Kathy is all about safety first, whether it be proper floatation devices for the kids while they take walks on the pier in Michigan (see above photo) or when shopping for the healthiest foods available for the family. I could certainly learn some things from her there! She’s a woman who reliably does the right thing.

Kathy is gracious, kind and sunny. She’s done phenomenal charity work over the year’s for “Joy’s House”. She likes to laugh and she’s gracious and easy to be around. Also, Kathy has had a rough start to 2019. She had emergency surgery to remove her appendix…and things did NOT go smoothly. She was home from the hospital, then she was back again. Life is hard sometimes, isn’t it? Despite all we do to live up to our responsibilities and obligations in daily life, the Lord occasionally tosses us a curveball.

Here’s the thing about Kathy that I noticed during this time. Despite her physical pain and incredible frustration, she just kept doing her level best. She allowed others to help with her beautiful kiddos and she must have seen that she had no choice but to admit she couldn’t manage by herself. She seemed filled with grace even responding to my nosy but genuinely concerned texts. Family and friends stepped in with food and logistics help. Her work family, I presume, did the same. I know she’s been a valued employee for many years.

Hopefully, what Kathy noticed during this time was that the Lord is right beside us, loving us throughout the journey. When we feel crummy, when we speak angry words in frustration, when we are in the middle of a series of bad days– we are usually right in the middle of a God-filled time. Sometimes when it’s me in the center of the hurricane, I don’t notice it until later. However, that’s what I saw when I watched Kathy climb back the hill to health. I saw what a blessed woman she is, and I noticed how many people love her. She’s a very lovable person who does so much for others, therefore it was reassuring and gratifying to see the compassion returned to her. I think God loves when we lean in and let Him carry us. We are his beloved children, after all!

Kathy, I hope Charlie and the kids, your mom, dad, Renee, Jeff, Laine and Ty all have been spoiling you this weekend as you celebrate your birthday. You are an amazing, character-filled woman and you deserve all the laughs and smiles you can gather to celebrate YOU! I know my life is better for having met you and I hope the rest of 2019 will be all smiles and sunshine! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KATHY!