Potential Magazine November 2014 | Page 6

from the publisher contributors Christmas with teenagers is… publisher Pam Mashburn different….it’s more expensive! Instead of three teacher gifts, it’s more like 15. The number of gifts under the tree are less but the amount spent seems to be more. So what’s a mom to do? editor Amy Presley copy editor Jennifer Kornegay Rethinking and expanding traditions became the mantra of this Mashburn Pam and her family forsa king gifts to mom. Last year, we quizzed the make memo ries instea d. boys, asking “What was your favorite Christmas gift last year?” Two years ago? And even three years ago. They could hardly remember any of the things they received, so we decided to create memories instead. Hence, our now annual family ski trip. And yes, we still have a tree and gifts but the smaller number forces us to be more thoughtful in our giving—and the ski trip makes for great Christmas card photos! Wishing you and your family a memorable Christmas, filled with traditions and thanksgiving! pam mashburn [email protected] 334-578-7810 p.s. Another Mashburn family tradition is to formally recognize the four food groups during Christmas: candy, candy canes, candy corn and syrup! graphic design Heather Cooper Lauren Childs writers Jennifer Kornegay Jasmine York Brittany Hamilton Amy Presley Young Boozer marketing & social media Amy Presley event coordinator Pam Mashburn web Heather Cooper Lauren Childs photography from our readers I just had to take a moment and thank you for your magazine that came in the mail yesterday. I got out of bed at 3 a.m., stressing over my two children, ages 20 and 16. I read your magazine, cover to cover, and wanted to cry. I needed those words today. I truly wanted to wake my 16 year old and make her read it too!!!!! I hope this is the first of many editions I will receive. I especially enjoyed the fact that faith and God were freely written down, too. Thank God we live in the USA. Have a blessed day. Lauren Childs Brooke Glassford/Colorbox Photography Gretchen Birdwell Photography David Hagood/Hagood Photography & Holiday Portraits sales Kristina Boddie questions & comments to [email protected] subscriptions & nominations A very happy Mom (today anyway!) Mail subscriptions & nominations for Teen Spotlights are available at www.potentialmagazine.com - Christa Sligh, Childersburg, Ala. I check the website every day and I love the weekly emails. I am so glad I found out about Potential. I even shared it on my Facebook...the information has been invaluable. I have three daughters, (11th grade, 9th grade and 7th grade) and that college checklist meant everything. College prep is a beast—as a single mom, I needed this help. AVID fan and reader! - Adrienne D. Berry, Hoover, Ala. 6 art director Heather Cooper www.potentialmagazine.com potential is published by exploreMedia. ©2014 exploreMedia. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited. Editorial content verified but not guaranteed. 7956 Vaughn Road, #331 Montgomery, AL 36116 P: 334-578-7