Welcome to The Unpaid Leave Life

I'm so glad you're here. I'm Leanna and for years, my life revolved around project deadlines, client meetings, and the daily hustle of a demanding career, all while navigating the beautiful chaos of being a mom to one amazing kid.

Fast forward to today, and my "uniform" has shifted from blazers to yoga pants, my "commute" is now a trip down the hallway, and my main focus is nurturing two incredible little humans. That's right – we've welcomed a new addition to our family, and I've officially traded the corporate world for the wonderfully wild adventure of being a stay-at-home mom of two and, even more exciting, a homeschooling parent!

This blog is my space to share the honest, often messy, but always heartfelt journey of this massive life transition. Here, you'll find real talk about:

 * Homeschooling highs and lows: From discovering the perfect curriculum to those days when nothing seems to go right, I'll share our learning adventures.

 * Balancing baby and big kid: The art (and occasional circus act) of managing a newborn alongside an active school-aged child's learning needs.

 * Finding my footing: Rediscovering my identity and purpose outside of a job title, and embracing the new rhythms of home life.

 * Tips and tricks: What I'm learning along the way about creating a thriving home and a joyful learning environment.

Whether you're a fellow mom navigating a similar path, considering the leap into homeschooling, or just curious about what life looks like after the corporate grind, I hope you'll feel right at home. We're figuring it out one day, one lesson, and one heartfelt moment at a time.

Thanks for joining me on this incredible journey from boardroom to backpacks – it's a wild ride, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Funny Mom Fails: You Are Not Alone!

Let's be honest, we've all been there. That moment when you realize you've sent your kid to school with two different shoes, tried to pay for groceries with a toy coin, or accidentally packed a TV remote instead of a juice box in a lunchbox. Motherhood is a beautiful, chaotic journey, and sometimes, the chaos wins. And you know what? That's perfectly fine, and often, absolutely hilarious!

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Tiny Habits for a Tidier Home: 15-Minute Daily Tasks

Let's be real for a minute. Being a stay-at-home mom is amazing, fulfilling, and… well, sometimes it feels like you're constantly battling a tidal wave of toys, laundry, and general household chaos. We spend our days pouring into our kids, managing schedules, and keeping everyone fed and happy. By the time the little ones are finally tucked into bed, the last thing we often want to do is tackle a massive cleaning project.

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Our Daily Rhythm: How We Structure Our Days (without losing our minds!)

Life can feel like a runaway train sometimes, can't it? Especially when you're juggling work, family, personal goals, and the never-ending to-do list. Here in Dothan, Alabama, the cicadas are singing their summer song, and it's a good reminder to slow down and find our own unique rhythm. Over the years, we've experimented with various approaches to structuring our days, and while there's no magic bullet, we've definitely found some strategies that help us stay productive, present, and, most importantly, sane!

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The Great Financial Shift: Navigating the Learning Curve from Two Incomes to One as a Stay-at-Home Mom

Deciding to become a stay-at-home mom (SAHM) is often a dream for many, but the transition from a two-income household to a single one can feel like climbing a financial Everest. It's not just about cutting back; it's a complete shift in mindset, budgeting, and often, identity. The learning curve can be steep, but with a solid plan and a dash of creativity, it's a journey many families successfully navigate.

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From Boardroom to Backpacks: Our New Adventure Begins!

Life has a funny way of rerouting you, doesn't it? Just a few months ago, my days were a whirlwind of deadlines, meetings, and the organized chaos of balancing a demanding career with being a mom to one amazing little human. My "uniform" often involved an assortment of business casual clothing, my "breaks" were coffee runs, and my evenings were a careful dance of dinner, bath, and bedtime stories before diving back into emails.

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About us

The Unpaid Leave Life is a blog dedicated to empowering and supporting moms transitioning to stay-at-home life. We offer a platform for sharing experiences, advice, and resources to inspire and uplift our community.