Bergman Christmas Cards 2011 Edition

Simply Jolly Christmas Card

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Colorful Joy Christmas Card

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Tree All Aglow Christmas Card

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Perspective

People often ask me how I can work at a school like I do. They always say, "No offense, but isn't it a little depressing to be around those kind of kids?" I typically respond with a question like, "What kind of kids?" to which they generally reply, "You know - tough, unmotivated kids from tough neighborhoods - like the one where your school is." I always try to tell them how great our kids are; that despite some tough ones we also have tons of really good ones who show up everyday, work hard in every class, and try to make something better for themselves. I also remind them that we have chosen this path because we believe that it is worth it to make the effort to help kids try and make a better life for themselves. Not only because it makes their life better, but because it makes the life of the people around them - brothers and sisters, moms and dads - better, and it has the potential to make the lives of their children and grandchildren better. How many other careers can you say that about?

I go home exhausted most nights as I know most if not all of you do as well. Exhausted from standing in the gap between the next generation of poverty and success. Exhausted from trying to figure out why its not yet working for this kid or that kid. Exhausted from dealing with the emotional weight of trying to fix what's broken with limited time, resources, and constant pressure from outside our building to do it better, faster. This is hard work. Nothing good is easy. Nothing worthwhile comes from coasting. We have chosen this responsibility because we believe we can still change the world one child at a time.

As you finish 2011, and you prepare to celebrate the holidays with your friends and families, remember as you start to join in the complaining about "what's wrong" with education today (and believe me, the list is long), remind yourselves that what you do everyday is part of "what's right." You might be the only person who reminds students that they matter, and what happens to them matters. You might be the only one who speaks kindly to them and calls them by their name rather than "Hey, you." You are what's right with education today. Your courage and willingness to "gut it out" are what motivates me to get up everyday and come back to a school like this one, roll up my sleeves, and wade through the muck beside you again and again.

I will celebrate this holiday with my friends and family secure in the knowledge that what we do matters and look forward to starting 2012 with such a dedicated group of professionals striving to help kids make their lives better. May God bless you and your families with laughter, good food, rest, and peace this Christmas.

This letter was in my teacher mailbox this morning. My Assistant Principal wrote it. It confirms that I have one of the greatest jobs in the world. My bosses truly care about our "work" (students) and the people who do the work (teachers). I could not be more grateful. If you are a teacher - thank you! I am proud to call myself a teacher alongside you. Hats off to the extremely intricate, detailed, individualized work you do everyday. If you're not a teacher - be one of the few to stand up for those of us who are "what's right."

Cheers to Christmas Break 2011-2012...

From Messy to Merry

Well. This is the first time I've intentionally taken before and after photos for the purpose of this blog. I'm not going to lie, it took some extra planning and foresight, but I am excited to bring you my first official b. & a. blog post!

I believe that anytime following the day after Thanksgiving is fair game for Christmas decorations to start popping up. My life-long love of ALL holidays persuades me to believe that each holiday should have its time in the spotlight. That means the day after a big holiday, you can fairly begin to decorate for the next one.

Since I was out of town for Thanksgiving and the Apple Cup last weekend, I was unable to decorate my home using my above-mentioned "rule." Even though I am one weekend-late, I am happy to present my before and after decorating attempt. By the way - I did not clean up at all for the before shots, so you're seeing my home as-is!

{living room before}

{living room after}

{mantle before}

{mantle after}

In my attempt to bring some creativity to this post, I taught myself how to make an online photo collage - real quick like. The one below literally took me five minutes, tops? Super easy (thanks to photovisi). It features some close up shots of some of my other decorations like the nativity, table centerpiece, and a close up of our UW Huskies themed tree (all photos taken with instagr.am).

My decorations aren't all etsy or trendy-like. Most of my decorations come from Target with a couple of hand-made hand-me-downs from my grandparents. My husband buys all of our Husky ornaments online, and I don't even have personalized stockings. I'm saving that for when we have kiddos someday. I think more than anything this season is about bringing warmth to your home by celebrating of the birth of Jesus. Merry {early} Christmas!

Keep your eyes open for a semi-consistent post that I'm planning on calling O.o.t.W. {Outfit of the Week}.