From the Editor

It seems like just yesterday that I sat down with Jason, our publisher, at Overflow Cafe. It was the first time I met him. I was a couple of years out of college with a journalism degree and expected to have a conversation about writing for this parenting magazine he wanted to start. We grabbed drinks and he explained the concept of Owensboro Parent and asked if I was interested in helping start it. My reply was, "Yes, I would love to write!" I was halfway into my pregnancy with Avery at the time and was so excited to write about my experiences as a new mom.

Jason said, "Actually, I want you to be the editor."

That was 10 years ago.

Now, with 75 issues published, Owensboro Parent is a piece of our community. Back then, we were hustling to get our magazine into local businesses for the public to pick up. Now businesses call us and ask to be a pick up location. Ten years ago, we had to sell ourselves to advertisers, hoping they would want to partner with us so that we could print Owensboro Parent and offer it to readers for free. Today, businesses trust our reputation and know that our publication is a proven platform to get in front of the audience they are trying to reach.

For me, this issues marks 10 years of me being a mom. We put out our very first issue when I was eight months pregnant. By the time we were preparing our second issue, I was holding my daughter in my arms. Owensboro Parent turns 10 this month. Next month, my sweet daughter celebrates her first double digits birthday. (I'm definitely not crying as I write this.)

Owensboro Parent has brought me so much joy. I have been able to share my story—the births of my children, my divorce, my wedding, my career changes. And I have been able to tell your stories as well. The challenges you have overcome, the incredible ways you give back to your community, the love you have for your families.

The reason we started this magazine 10 years ago was to bring parents together. There is nothing more life-changing than becoming a parent. It changes everything instantly and forever. And those experiences—wondrous, worrisome, unique and universal—are the things that Owensboro Parent and our readers share with each other.

Here's to a decade of Owensboro Parent and to 10 more years of this community's favorite family magazine!

One of my contributions to the magazine has always been the kids craft. My kiddos love making them. Avery still has these Valentine's Love Bugs!

Not only do I volunteer at the Kids Tri, but I also run it with my kids. In 2019, I had to run it twice! Avery loved her first Kids Triathlon with her cousins and fellow Tanner Publishing kids, Jude, Finley, Wilson and Emmie Kate.

When coming up with ideas for the magazine, I always try them with my kids first. The New Year's Eve party idea we came up with a few years ago is now a yearly tradition! Reed had to test drive the convertible before the epic helicopter photo shoot!

I am thankful for the amazing experiences my kids have had thanks to Owensboro Parent! This is Avery playing a fiddle at ROMP.