Editor's Note: In recognition of the 15th anniversary of On the Minds of Moms this year, we're catching up with some moms and dads who have been profiled in previous issues. Be sure to keep checking out inforum.com/on-the-minds-of-moms or our Facebook and Instagram pages to find new stories. You can also check out the digital editions of On the Minds of Moms on Issuu.
Deb Uglem was first featured in the fall 2009 issue as a mod mom, and she shared important her crock pot was for making family meals, how running helped clear her mind, and why she made time to be involved in her kids' lives. After being featured, Deb continued to contribute to On the Minds of Moms for several years, writing countless features about other moms with inspiring stories like hers.
Read on to find out how Deb's life has changed in the last 14 years.
In the fall of 2009 you were a 38-year-old stay-at-home married mom with a 15-year-old son, 14-year-old twin sons and a 12-year-old daughter; give us a quick rundown of what your life and family looks like now.
I’ve transitioned from stay-at-home mom to corporate jobs to my current title as founder & CEO of Jane Fifteen Thirty , which is a company that allowed me to combine three of my favorite things — golf, fashion, and housewares.
ADVERTISEMENT
The house full of teenagers has turned into an empty nest for my husband and me. However, the nest has gotten bigger. We now have two married children, one engaged and one adorable granddaughter and another grandbaby joining us in August. So, our table of six has changed to 10. Needless to say, we now have to call for dinner reservations. I have always said the more the merrier, this is especially true with family.
What made you want to continue writing for On the Minds of Moms after being featured?
I love being a mom and I love writing, so naturally On the Minds of Moms was a good fit. I consider myself so lucky that (OTMOM founders) Sherri and Dani gave me the opportunity to tell my funny, chaotic, and sometimes sappy stories. It was not only therapeutic it was fun.
Do you still write?
Most of my writing consists of blog posts, advertising copy and all things related to my business. But recently I received a great gift from a friend — a legacy journal. It has me stretching those creative writing muscles and has me dreaming of what to write next.
What's the biggest difference between parenting teenagers to parenting young adults?
The biggest difference and probably the hardest is letting them make their own decisions. It’s difficult to keep your mouth shut. My kids and I may have different opinions on how good I am at this task. Maybe I should rephrase — the biggest difference is trying to keep your mouth shut.
What do you miss most about your kids being little?
ADVERTISEMENT
I think I miss the everyday. The dinner time talks, cuddles, the funny things they said, watching them grow and interact with each other. When I think about home, I think of my kids little and the six of us figuring out life.
What's your favorite part of having adult children?
Watching them navigate life is amazing. I remember making those “big” decisions in my twenties and now I’m watching my kids do the same. I am so proud of the people they picked to share their lives with, so proud of their career decisions and how much they are enjoying life. There is just something about having an adult conversation with your children realizing you raised someone with their own opinions and ideas that somehow are not yours but still make sense.
What parenting advice would 2023 Deb give to 2009 Deb?
Live with them not for them or through them.
Quick hits:
- I love to binge watch... old school "Will & Grace". I think I have every episode saved on my DVR. So, so funny!
- The last book I read that had the most lasting impression...."You are a Badass: how to stop doubting your greatness and start living an awesome life" by Jen Sinero
- I believe what makes a good mom is...unconditional love
- Something I am proud of myself for doing...starting my own business
- I am trying to teach my children...you have the power to accomplish anything and everything
- I love my.....time on the golf course. It's full of family, friends, good times and mulligans.
The Trust Project
