– Life as Leels

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My name is Leila (LEE-la), aka Leels.

Growing up, my stepfather’s family had two nicknames for me – Smelly Nelly and Leels. Fortunately for me, Smelly Nelly didn’t last and Leels not only stuck, but became a name friends who didn’t know me until later in life started to call me as well.

Hence, Life as Leels.

I am a born and raised a Minnesota girl; I have always called Minnesota home. I moved to Wisconsin right before my 20th birthday for a whopping 3 months. Would you believe me if I told you it was colder and snowed more in Wisconsin than in Minnesota? It’s the truth.

I went back to Minnesota for 10 days to pack my stuff and spend time with family before running off to the desert. I have been in Arizona since March 2003 and started my little family in December 2003.

Leila with Melissa from This Brunette Blogs

I am a smart allecky, likes to make others laugh wife and mom. My family is my life so you are sure to hear a lot about them here at Life as Leels.

I have been married for 10 years, but we have been together for 12 years;
.

We have 3 crazy, rambunctious children who you will see and hear about often! After having
, K, in December 2005; I was diagnosed with post partum depression and pregnancy induced social anxiety. Little did I know that I would deal with these medical diagnoses permanently. My mental health is a topic frequently shared on Life as Leels.

, B, was born April 2008. After trying a home water birth, he was born via C-Section. At 6 years old, he was diagnosed with severe anxiety disorder and ADHD. I share our journey with him as well as our experiences on Life as Leels. When I thought I was alone, I found that really, I am not.

In 2009, I was diagnosed with PTSD after my grandfather completed suicide. Again, a topic you will find here at Life as Leels as I strive to bring awareness, education and prevention to the community around the stigma of suicide.

, A, was born in February 2013, where I was again, diagnosed with post partum depression.
Mommy and her Babies

In addition to our 2-legged children, we also have: Lil Stinker, our 11 year old tabby cat; Baby Jax, our 9 1/2 year old black cat; Jessie, our 6 year old pit bull; and Cutesy, our 2 1/2 year old gerbil. Oh, and let’s not forget our fish – our latest addition in hopes of helping B with his anxiety.

Life as Leels

Life as Leels began as

Leila * Mommy * Business Woman

in July 2011. It was intended to be a marketing tool for my direct sale business, but turned into so much more.

In November 2011, we moved and rebranded to

The Go To Mommy

.

Unfortunately, the name did not go the way we hoped and we rebranded for the final time in March 2012 as

Life as Leels

, focusing on being a lifestyle blog.

Over the years, we have still maintained our lifestyle aspect, but have taken a large focus on parenting and family.

You can find…

Sweet Sun Kisses by Michael Banebrook
Book Reviews

Homeschooling

Local Arizona

Mental Health – as a parent with mental health and parenting a child with mental health

Money Saving Tips

Parenting