A Slice of Life

Some random happenings in the Madigan household...

Dad singing to Áine while he recovers from surgery.

No recuperation is complete without a Strawberry Shortcake comforter.

I use this board to write various notes to myself. It's to the right of my computer area. I glanced at it the other day and noticed that Miss Ciara had added a few things to the bottom of the list.

Brendan was playing on the computer in his room last night and I happened upon this scene shortly before bedtime. On second glance, I guess it was after bedtime.

An update

Aine’s seizures are increasing in frequency and duration of late and she added a new one to the mix. She is confused, a little unsteady on her feet, and far more tired in her post-ictal state so she could use some prayers, happy thoughts, and all around good vibes. I plan to get her to the lab this Friday to see if any adjustments can be made to her meds.

John’s surgery on the 2nd was successful. However the recovery is painful and challenging and we are all attempting to adjust.

Brendan is making his first trip to Knotts Berry Farm with his class this Thursday.

Lastly, Miss Ciara found out today after school that she was not elected to Student Council. She is very sad of course, but is eager to try again next year. That’s the right attitude, Ciara!!

The Candidate Waits... and waits... and waits

Ciara decided to run for Student Council for next year. After completing her petition and acquiring the necessary signatures, she delivered her campaign speech on Fri 5/22/09 along with 15 other hopeful students vying for 10 coveted spots. She campaigned the week of 5/25/09. Each candidate was limited to one poster in the hallway and two posters (a sandwich board was recommended) to campaign during recess and lunch.

Ciara was very proud of herself for her self-written speech (as was I) and for being the only student to opt for the sandwich board approach. Elections were held on Fri 5/29/09. And still we wait for the announcement. I don't know the rationale behind making the children wait this long for the results. I wish I did. I remember running for office in high school and being peeved that we had to wait from Friday to the following Monday for results. Heck, even the President of the United States usually finds out the results before hitting the hay the night of the election. Oh well.

Enjoy the pics of our candidate who rocks our world whether or not she gains a place on Student Council.

Here is her speech:
Fellow students, teachers, and staff, my name is Ciara Madigan and I am a 5th grader. I have decided to run for Student Council because it would be a new experience for me. I am willing to work as a team player and fit Student Council into my own time. I believe that I can bring a new life perspective and new energy to the Student Council.

Being on Student Council can be challenging. I have faced many challenges in my life, so at home it’s like our own Council as we face challenges together.

Since coming to Nativity last year, I have been trying to find a way to be more involved in my school. I think Student Council suits me. I am a hard worker and I am dedicated to getting things done. I also believe that I would be a good example to other students as a member of Student Council.

I love going to Nativity School and if you vote for me, together we can make it an even better place than it already is. Thank you for listening and thank you for thinking of me on election day.

International Day

Today was International Day at Ciara's school. Each class presented a different country on a trip around the world. The trip ended when the flight returned to the United States. Ciara's class represented USA and closed the show. She had a good time and it was a fun day and I am so glad I was able to go and spend the day with her as Dad stayed at home with the littlest kidlet.

She's the cute one in the middle :o)

It's blurry, but I thought it was cute!

On a side note... some of you know I conducted an Irish Dancing "boot camp" as I was recruited by the 4th grade to teach them some Irish dances. Being a hermit or recluse or whatever you like to call it by nature, this was a big step for me and I had a blast! (The fact that dancing after all these years didn't cause a cardiac infarction was a plus.) The students were so eager to learn and very receptive and quickly learned their steps. They were always gracious and respectful to me and I loved the experience. They opened the show this morning and were quite a hit.

After the performances, we went to all the classrooms to sample various treats from all over the world. All the proceeds go to the Sisters of St. Louis mission work.

Life after the Prom...

Brendan had a wonderful time at the Prom! Thank you for all the well wishes.

He enjoyed dinner and the music - to a point. He moved from the main dance hall to the quiet room and eventually wanted to stay in the quiet room. It was past time for his night meds, so Dad got the call about 9:15pm (the Prom started at 6:30pm and was scheduled to end at 10:00pm) and since he had spent the evening in the parking lot - yay Dad! - he was right there to pick up Brendan. They arrived home about 10pm and Brendan was wide awake and very excited until about midnight. He had a good time and he had his trusty toy horse in the pocket of his jacket to keep him company :o)

The next day his special needs swim team - the Stingrays - battled Leaps 'n Boundz at a swim meet at the Rose Bowl. The lad swam in two races, but there was much disappointment that he didn't swim in his signature race - the breast stroke. But he had a great time. After 3 hours of baking in the sun, Dad and Ciara and the swimmer headed home.

Yesterday was Mom's first I.E.P. (individualized education plan) meeting at Brendan's school. All went fairly well and the goals that have been set for Brendan for the next 12 months are simply wonderful and will help him become more independent in his world. Today he assisted one of the classroom aides in making brownies and preparing chicken for the student run salad bar. Yay Brendan! The IEP was such a positive experience and a far cry from the meetings of old. Under the required "strengths" section on the IEP the team came up with the following: "Friendly, happy, enjoys coming to school, eager to learn, shows pride in his accomplishments, likes verbal praise, willing to try new things, puts forth great effort in all he does." For those of you who have journeyed with us along the way in Brendan's education you know the enormity of these words. And even if you're new to our journey it's pretty darn awesome.

Brendan's Big Day

Not only is today the feast of St. Brendan, it's also Brendan Michael's Prom Night! The girls and I snapped a few shots of him before he headed out the door.

My baby boy!

Not his usual shorts and t-shirt ensemble.

A huge thank you (and some smooches) to Mary for the

beautiful handmade keepsake boutonniere.


The girlies posing with their bro before he leaves for a night of dancing.



"Day of Dreams"... The day before the Prom, the high school and transition students at his school attended a local high school for typically developing students. Each student from Bren's school was partnered with one or two high school buddies and spent the day hanging out with them. The buddies take the students to play basketball, volleyball, sing, dance, play percussion instruments and do some art as well. The students all had lunch together. His teacher reported it was a fun day.

The Scholar

Second trimester awards were handed out today at Ciara's school. Dad represented the family.

Ciara maintained her First Honors status by earning a GPA of 3.68.

We are very proud of you, Ciara Mairéad!