I found my family!

I grew up as an only child with a single mother. Although my parents were married I never met my father. My mother told me when I was little that I had three older brothers but she didn’t know where they were or where to find them. 

32 years later Hashim has done it! He found my brothers. He actually found their mother and she connected us. I felt like I was watching a movie about my life. It was so surreal. It was literary a dream come true. We did a Facebook group chat so that we could see each other for the first time. It was amazing to be able to put faces to names. We actually look alike. I can’t say I’m an only child any more! Not only did I find my brothers but I also have a grandmother. My children have a great grandmother!

I spoke to my brothers and my grandmother on Saturday. And on Tuesday, Hashim, the kids and I got in the car and headed down south to Alabama. I have waited 32 years to know them and didn’t want to wait any longer. We drove 29 hours from Los Angeles to Bessemer, Alabama. 

I found out so much about my family including my father. Currently no one knows where my father is. They all said that he is a traveler and has always disappeared for years at a time. My grandmother has 14 children and my father is the oldest. I met almost all of my aunts and three of my uncles. I saw my brothers and some of their children and grandchildren. I went from being an only child, only knowing my maternal relatives, to having three big brothers, a grandmother, and 13 aunts and uncles and all of their children. My heart is so full and I have all of the emotions. 

We are finally back home. It was en extremely long journey but totally worth every second. I’m happy to be home but I miss my family already and I’ve started plotting our next trip. 

3 Reasons why Nest Diapers work for us!

Being a mother of five, I have tried almost every diaper brand. Nest Diapers is a brand that I have fallen in love with. I can go on and on, but here are three things our family loves about Nest Diapers.

1. The diapers are made from plant based materials.

2. They are hypoallergenic.

3. They cover all of my diaper needs.

I love that Nest Diapers are made from plant based materials. Because of the materials used they are compostable. We are a large family and go through a lot of diapers. Knowing that using Nest allows us to limit the amount of waste (pun intended). 

Knowing that the diapers are hypoallergenic is a life saver. Since we are a large family with children so close in age, we usually have two children in diapers at the same time. It puts me at ease knowing that if I need to share diapers amongst my children, I won’t have to worry about rashes or breakouts. Each child’s skin is different and they have different allergies. Knowing that their diaper isn’t the issue is a relief. Parents should know that their baby is safe in their diaper.

Having my children close in age means that there are usually multiple children in diapers at one time. I currently have two little ones in diapers and 1 in training pants. Nest provides all of the sizes and training pants that I need. They are white and neutral so anyone of my children can wear them. Any left overs can be passed down. I can purchase one pack of diapers and can share them between my children. 

If you are looking for a diaper that is soft and safe Nest Diapers are perfect. They are good for the environment and good for your baby. 
http://www.nestdiapers.com

Halloween Quarantine

Covid-19 has drastically changed our lives. It has caused us to pivot from what we are accustomed to. We have been quarantined during most of the year and here we are entering the holiday season. So what will Halloween look like in House of Lafond?

Hashim and I had to really think about it and put some effort into what we would do with our children. We are a Christian family so we don’t celebrate halloween. However, we also remember how much fun it is to get dressed up and go out. So in the past we have taken then children Trick or Treating. This year there is absolutely no way we will go out this year. Some people have decided to do so and we as family feel it is safer not to. 

I noticed people putting up their ideas on social media. Many of them consisted of Trick or Treat bags filled with treats and gifts for the children. I thought that was a great idea. Almost like a Christmas stocking or Easter basket but Halloween themed. I really liked this idea but I felt like it was to much like celebrating Halloween. Since we won’t be Trick or Treating then there will be no Halloween themes. We teach our children to celebrate the Harvest. We celebrate the abundance of foods that we get from spring planting. I remember growing up that my mother had a Cornucopia on our dining room table during the fall. It is a symbol of plenty. It is supposed to be a goats horn overflowing with fruit, corn and flowers. So I decided that is what we will do this year. 

I am not sure if this will be a new family tradition. I will admit that being quarantined has really allowed me to re-evaluate the way our family functions. It allowed me to notice that a lot of the things we were doing was simply because it was what we were used to. Since this entire experience is new we are able to make life changes.

Postpartum and the Pandemic

Birthing during the pandemic was already hard. Now I am trying to raise a family and feel as normal as possible again. Feeling your own version of normal is extremely difficult after having a baby... but doing it during the pandemic makes it 100x harder. Here are 3 things that I have struggled with during my postpartum. 

1. The country is still on lockdown. Since the government is trying to protect us and keep everyone inside, a lot of businesses are closed. After my other children’s births, I would go out just to walk around. Getting out of the house and walking around helps me clear my head and refocus. I love walking around the mall or walking on a trail. Due to the pandemic it is a challenge. The mall is closed and the parking lots are closed to limit the amount of people walking the trails. Hashim, the kids and I tried to go for a walk one of the canyons but there was no place to park. I also enjoy getting my hair and nails done. It helps me feel put together. It allows me to feel like myself. Salons are also closed because of the pandemic. Not being able to go to the places that I enjoy makes struggling with postpartum harder to get over and honestly adds to my emotions. 

2. Entertainment for older children is less accessible. Being in the house with four older children and a newborn while fighting off postpartum is not ideal for me. My older children need to be out playing and running around. They also need fresh air. They need to be with their friends. This was already hard to deal with before Adonai was born. They are home for the majority of the day and ask me for something all day. They make a mess all day. That results in less rest for me. I am already in a sensitive state with my emotions and hormones. Being crowded together in our house is making it more difficult to heal.

3. Family and friend support is limited. We don’t live close to our family. The majority of our family is on the East Coast. So it’s not easy to call up a family member to come watch the kids or help out. I was so blessed that my Mother-in-law flew across the country to help us. It was the best support and help. We as a family really needed it. The children needed their grandmother and Hashim needed his mother. I needed help from someone that I love and trust and I know my family is safe with. She took a major risk flying from Boston to California for us. Due to the pandemic she had to leave California early for fear of another state lockdown. I thank God that we are all safe and she is back home and safe. The friends that we do have are also quarantined away from people. It is safer to stay home and avoid people as much as possible and that is what everyone is doing. That means they are not able to come to us. We also do not want to risk anyone in our family getting sick especially with a new baby. 

Although this has been a difficult transition for me, I think I’m doing well. I am so happy that I’m able to identify when I am struggling and feeling low and know to speak up. Not everyone has that. I am blessed that I do have a loving support system that has been the greatest and best help. Thank you to my Mother-in-law for coming all this way. I wish we could have kept you sooner but I know you needed to get to the safety of your home. Thank you to my mom. Even though your health prohibits you from coming right now, you are calling and texting me daily. Reminding me of the things that you know help and work for me. You have been an amazing listener. Most importantly thank you Hashim for being everything! Your patience and care is not unnoticed. Your effort is everything and is making the greatest impact. I am having fewer down moments and have a lot to look forward to. I am doing well and know I will only get better! 

Birthing during a Pandemic

On July 7th, I had my fifth c-section. I was ready. I knew what to expect since this was not my first time... or so I thought. Four things  were different because of Covid-19:

1. I had to wear a mask. I was expected to have a mask on the entire time I was in the hospital. I was required to have it on while I waited eight hours for my surgery — while also having contractions. However, it wasn’t so bad to be honest. The only time I really didn’t want it on was during my actual surgery. It was really hard to breath during a C-section after my spinal medicine. I was able to take my mask off to have an oxygen mask during surgery.

2. I had to take the COVID test. I literally cried when I was told that I had to take it. With all that was going on, the last thing I wanted was a q-tip jammed in my nose. I felt like I had no control in the situation. Apparently, the hospital tests every patient admitted in to the hospital. I tried to refuse the test but was informed that I would automatically be treated as a Covid-positive patient. If I tested positive, I would be separated from my baby and she would be released to a Covid-negative family member. I would also be kept on a floor with other Covid positive patients during my recovery. The thought of all of this really affected me. I couldn’t imagine not being near my baby after 9 months of anticipation. I reluctantly took the test and thank God the test was negative! My family and I have been cautious and careful so we expected a negative result. The actual test sucks but it isn’t the worst experience. They stuck the long q-tip in my nose and waited about 10 seconds. What I really didn’t like about it was that they did one nostril at a time. If you ever had to take the test for strep throat it is the equivalent — just in your nose. Once it was over, I had to wait an additional 2 hours for the results before my surgery. 

3. I couldn’t hold my baby. My expectation is that as soon as the baby is born I can have my baby placed on my chest for skin-to-skin and start breastfeeding right away. As soon as a baby is born the first thing they look for is their mothers breast for comfort and connection. I have done skin-to-skin and breastfed while on the operating table with the birth of all of my children. Covid took this opportunity from me 🤬. The hospital was short staffed due to the Corona virus, so they didn’t allow me to do either of those things. They brought her to my cheek and that was it. I was not satisfied. I wanted to hold my baby and bond with her immediately. Not being able to take her right away was devastating to me. I was not prepared to wait to bond with my baby. Another moment during this delivery I felt like I had no control or say because of Covid-19 so I cried. They didn’t have enough staff to safely allow me to hold the baby while on the operating table. However, I was blessed that Hashim was able to take her to the recovery room and place her on his chest and bond with her until I came in. I am so blessed that I was able to have my husband in the room with me to support me and our new addition. 

4. I couldn’t be with my family. For the first time ever I spent four days away from my children and did not see them, hug them, or kiss them. I missed my family. This was the first time my children did not meet their new sibling at the hospital. I know it was best for them and their safety. The separation from my family made this birth experience more difficult. I could hear the excitement and anticipation when we spoke on FaceTime. I couldn’t wait to get back home to hug and kiss all of my babies. 

I am so happy to be back home and all together with my family. I am blessed to have the greatest support system in my family. My Mother-in-law, Pearl, flew all the way from Boston to help us with the four children. Because she came, Hashim was able to be in the hospital with me. I was at peace knowing that my children were safe and happy with their Grandmother that loves them so much. I was at peace knowing that I had my husband by my side and that he would fight for me and our baby and make sure that we were safe and protected. Things were completely different because of this pandemic. I know that we will have an amazing story to share with our daughter. Through it all. I am grateful that we are healthy and wonderful! 

3 Quarantine Tips

I am a stay at home, homeschooling mother so most of my days look very much like this quarantine. I have learned a few tricks to help the days go by and make food last. Here are the top three: 

1. If you need a moment to yourself and have children that are old enough and mature enough to sit in the tub alone do it! Having your children take a bath can give you about 30 minutes of peace. If you just need to eat, cook, scroll social media it will give you a child free minute to do that. Now I will say if your child is anything like my children this won’t always work. But I will say more often than not it will. 

2. If you want something sweet but can’t get to the store look around the house and see if you have 1 cup of peanut butter, 1 egg, and 1 cup of sugar. If you do you can make some bomb peanut butter cookies. Bake them for about 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Quick and easy. Just make sure to press them flat on the cookie sheet before placing them in the oven. 

3. If you want a calzone but can’t get to the pizza shop make your own. Hashim’s favorite is buffalo chicken. Boil skinless boneless chicken breast. Once done drain it and shred it with two forks. In a skillet add some olive oil the shredded chicken and sauce we use buffalo sauce for the kids I use tomato sauce. If you have pizza dough you can use that or Biscuit dough also works. Roll it out flat I make a rectangle shape. Brush the dough with olive oil and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.  Add the chicken. Then add some more cheese. Fold the dough in half over the filling. Pinch all around to seal it. Brush olive oil on top and bake in the oven at 375 for 20 minutes.

Let me know if you try any of these! Please feel free to comment below any things that have worked for you. 

Mommy Moment! How I stopped my children from waking me up in the morning

I always wanted to be the mom that woke up before my children. They would wake up and I would be in the kitchen finishing breakfast and the house would be clean. But the reality is I’m not that mom and that’s okay. 

I am a night person and always have been. I had to make that work for me as a mother. I would stay up late like 2am and then the children would wake up around 7am. I would wake up so annoyed and be angry all day because I wasn’t getting proper sleep. So I had to figure out how to make this work for me so I can be a happy mommy and get enough sleep. 

My solution was to get the children’s breakfast together at night before I went to sleep. I do different things for them that they can grab themselves in the morning without waking me up. They have smoothies in the refrigerator that they help themselves to when they wake up. There is fruit that they can grab all day long. I also put together bagels with cream cheese or peanut butter and have them ready for the children to eat in the morning. They know how to turn on the TV. So now I can wake up on my own which is usually 8:30am. 

I clean my house before I go to bed and get breakfast ready. I have my quiet time to watch tv and shower without all of the children needing something from me. It is something that is really working for our family and I am so happy. 

5 C-SECTIONS

I have been pregnant every year for five years. Each of my deliveries have been a Cesarean. With each pregnancy the risk increases. So I am going to admit that I am terrified. As a Black Woman going to have her 5th C-Section the risks are incredibly high. 

Last year when I was pregnant with Biggie, fear didn’t set in until I got closer to my delivery day. I was delivering at a new hospital with a new doctor so naturally there was some apprehension. This time all of the risks and factors are weighing on me. 

Black women delivering have the highest death rate in this country. So the fact that I am a Black woman already poses a threat. This being my fifth C-Section puts me at higher risk for uterine rupture. Let’s be honest surgery is scary in general. When I went to speak with the hospital closest to me and explained my situation they labeled me y“high risk”. Now I understand that is a term that doctors use to assess their situations and their patients. However that alone evokes fear. 

For our family, a new baby is a reason to celebrate. At first I did — which is my natural reaction. As the reality set in so did the fear. So did the statistics and the risks. I consider myself confident and I like to make moves with confidence. I currently live an hour away from the hospital that my doctor delivers at. I love my doctor and hate the hospital. There is only one hospital that delivers babies near me. With that hospital, the doctor that does prenatal care isn’t guaranteed to deliver the baby. That is not an option for me if I can help it. I do not feel confident with my birth plan right now. Luckily I do have some time to plan and figure out what is best for me and my family. I also plan on asking a lot of questions. 

First trimester w/ Baby 5

If you know me then you know I love being pregnant. Also, I have what I consider easy pregnancies. But I don’t know what it is but man this is getting hard. It could be that this is Lafond Baby 5 or that I am now 31 or even a combination of things but I don’t plan on doing this a lot more. Maybe one but that’s become a hard maybe. 

The first trimester is the hardest. Any one who has been pregnant or watched someone pregnant will tell you that. I, however, used to brag and tell people that I would never know I was pregnant except for the fact that I missed my cycle. This time around I absolutely knew. There was no denying it. Luckily I wasn’t running to the bathroom but it sure felt like I should. Any and everything made my stomach turn. The thought of food alone made me want to stay away from it. Which clearly makes no sense because you have to eat. No matter what I ate — or when — I felt nauseous. Food I thought would be good a few moments later had me feeling queasy. I will admit that ginger and lemon did help. But it wasn’t enough for me. 

If I didn’t feel sick I took full advantage of the opportunity to sleep. Hashim would stop and run into a store real quick and come back and I would be knocked out. Car sleep I am now convinced is the best sleep. I definitely believe that our beds should rock us to sleep like baby swings. Someone please invent that and just give me 20% for the idea. Sleep was something I took advantage of and I am not ashamed. 

What is it like having a baby while having a baby.

 I still can’t believe that I am pregnant and having my fifth child. It is still shocking to me. People look at me like I am crazy and have a lot of opinions. Sometimes I question if I am crazy. I remember being told that I can’t have children and now pregnant with my fifth I know is nothing but a blessing. 

Hashim recently asked me what it was like having a baby while having a baby. That question first off shocked me, like umm, don’t you know by now. But then I really put some thought into it. I realized that the hardest part about having another child is really how it affects the older children. All my children are close in age but there is a gap. Anaiah will be at least 5 years older than Lafond Baby 5. She is super excited and understands what is happening. Especially since she is a pro at this point. She is concerned and completely involved. Every other day she asks me “so how big is the baby now Mommy?” I think she knows more about this baby and this pregnancy than I do.

Zaire is still a baby himself. Which prompted the question. He will be about 18 months when the baby is born. Right now he has no idea what is going on. As my stomach gets bigger and he gets older we will continue to tell him and prepare him. He has noticed my belly getting bigger and my belly button coming out. He is starting to play with it. Right now for him he is still the baby and is treated as such and will continue to be treated accordingly based on his age and development. Example, when he finally decides to start walking he will be walking as much as possible. 

Zariah doesn’t seem to care much. She is happy because she thinks babies are cute. But she is really into her own thing or hanging out with her sister. So as long as that is all good she is all good.

I think the child that is most affects is Yasir. He really is attached to me. However he and Hashim are super tight. But he still likes to be held and cuddled. Since I am tired more than he is used to, he doesn’t understand why I’m not picking him up. He still wants to jump on me and climb on me and play. I don’t always have the energy or strength. He still wants Mommy and how I feel doesn’t really matter, especially because he doesn’t fully understand. He knows there is a baby, but I don’t think he will fully understand until the baby is born and at home. 

Big City Greens Holiday!

Disney channel’s Big City Greens is premiering their holiday episode on Saturday, December 7th, 9:30-10:00 am EST. Houseoflafond had the pleasure of attending a special sneak peek of the show. It is absolutely hilarious. It was fun for the whole family. Literally, everyone enjoyed it. Hashim laughed hysterically sometime louder than the children. Zaire danced and clapped to the songs. It was a perfect addition to the holiday festivities. 

Holiday Episode Summary: “On Christmas Eve, Tilly warns Cricket that he may not be on Santa's Nice List, so Cricket sets out to do as many good deeds as possible before the end of the day. Meanwhile, Gramma and Nancy try to come up with a last-minute gift for Bill.  HIGHLIGHTS: *Christopher Lloyd ("Back to the Future") guest stars as Santa Claus and Wendi McLendon-Covey ("The Goldbergs") returns as Nancy Green.

Big City Greens was created and ejxecutive produced by brothers Chris and Shane Houghton. The show is inspired by the brothers lives growing up in a small town in Michigan. Chris Houghton is actually the voice of the main character Cricket Green. The series is currently in its second season which premiered November 16, 2019. This series is great for all ages but specifically 6-14 year old demographic. Watch as the series follows 10 year old Cricket Green who has just moved from the country to the big city with his family. 

Gift Guide

As Christmas quickly approaches I am checking family members off of my list. Gift giving is always a little challenging for my family because all of our family is across the country. We have to figure out what to get our mothers, fathers and our God daughter who is also our niece and send it to them. Also of course the gifts that we get our children and each other. So I have pulled some of my favorite items from some amazing brands that make gift giving exciting. 

• Starting with our Mothers. I came across a company that has created the most amazing and comfortable blanket I have ever had. The company is called BigLovie. It is so soft and heavy, and the best thing about it is that it comes with a sweet message attached to the blanket. I know they will be nice and cozy. It is like sending a cuddle. Use our family code LOVELAFOND for 15% off your purchase at www.biglovie.com

  - I find it difficult to shop for the Men in my family. Hashim doesn’t like surprises. And it seems like both of our Fathers already have the thing that they want. There are the gifts that are common that most Fathers receive such as cologne or a tie. I wanted to be more creative in my gift giving. When I saw the company SoFlow I knew it would be perfect! An electric scooter is exactly what they would love. It will be a gift that they will enjoy and be able to want to use. To see more electric scooters and skateboards go to www.soflow.com

• My girls!!!! They are extremely fun to shop for. Our God Daughter is going to be 8, Anaiah is 5 and Zariah will be 4. Since the girls are on separate parts of the country how perfect is their own luggage with a matching backpack and lunch box. Bixbee has the cutest sets. They are whimsical and beautiful. Perfect for my girls. Just a side note they also have great bags for boys if you need a gift for a little boy. To purchase go to www.bixbee.com

• I am not done with these little ladies though. Franco dreams designs spectacular character bedding. Not only is it super cute but so comfortable and cozy. For My God Daughter I am getting her the LOL Surprise Doll bed set. She is already a fan so this will be nice for her. The colors really pop and the design is so cool. For Anaiah and Zariah they will be getting a matching Frozen set for their bunk bed. To see more characters and purchase go to www.francodreams.com

• Now my baby boys can be a little more difficult because they are so young. Yasir is 2 and Zaire is 11 months. If you follow me then you know that we love KidsEmbrace! Well they make the cutest trike that grows with the children. So that is perfect for them. To purchase and see all of their products go to www.kidsembrace.com

• Both boys also are huge fans of Baby Shark. So I got them Baby Shark music books. California Creations has colorful interactive books that I know the boys will love. To see other California Creation products and to purchase got to www.cacreations.net

This covers my immediate family. I know one of these products will be a perfect gift for someone in your family. For those of you with a pregnant family member check out Bump Boxes. They provide expecting mothers with a box filled with essential items to help with their pregnancy. Boxes can be purchased as a one time gift or a subscription. To purchase a Bump Box click this link http://bumpbox.co/CPHDS

Disney on Ice “Mickeys Search Party”

To celebrate the holidays we are going to Disney on Ice and we can’t wait! We are looking forward to seeing our favorite characters perform on the ice. This show will have fans will immersed in the worlds of Frozen, Moana, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and more. As a true Disney family we know this is a show we cannot miss. This show is extremely engaging on the ice, in the air and with fans in their seats. Last year was magical with “Dare to Dream” and we know this year will be just as spectacular. Disney on Ice is back with “Mickey’s Search Party.”

“Embark on a quest with Mickey Mouse and pals as they follow Captain Hook’s treasure map for clues to find Tinker Bell after he attempts to capture her magic. Journey across the Marigold Bridge with Miguel from Disney-Pixar’s Coco into the magnificent and mystical Land of the Dead and discover a vibrantly colorful performance with skeletons atop sway poles dancing over the audience in a beautiful cultural celebration of family. Travel to the wintry world of Arendelle and sing along with Elsa as video projection creates a kaleidoscope of crystals to help build her ice palace. Witness Belle lift into the sky as the enchanted chandelier comes to life high over the ice for onlookers seated above and below. Board the Jolly Roger and laugh hysterically as the hilarious pirates flip, tumble, and twist on air tracks, stilts and more in an effort to showcase their talents for Captain Hook. Sail away with Moana on her daring voyage across the ocean and bravely encounter the fiery wrath of Te Ka.  And make memories with your whole family during Aladdin, Toy Story and The Little Mermaid as the search party becomes an all-out magical celebration!”

To discover more about Disney On Ice, visit www.DisneyOnIce.com

or follow us on these social media platforms:

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/DisneyOnIce

Twitter: @DisneyOnIce #DisneyOnIce #MickeysSearchParty

YouTube: www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce

Instagram: @DisneyOnIce

L O S   A N G E L E S

WHEN: Thursday, December 12 – Sunday, December 15

o Thursday, December 12 7:30 PM

o Friday, December 13 7:30 PM

o Saturday, December 14 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

o Sunday, December 15 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

WHERE: STAPLES Center – 1111 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015

TICKETS: Ticket prices start at $15!

Discount Opening Night tickets available for as low as $16 each on select seating (not valid for premium VIP/Front Row seating)  

Tickets available for purchase online at AXS.com, charge by phone at 888-9AXS-TIX or in-person at the venue Box Office.            *prices subject to change; additional venue/ticketing fees may apply

A N A H E I M

WHEN: Thursday, December 19 – Monday, December 23

o Thursday, December 19 7:00 PM

o Friday, December 20 11:00 AM & 7:00 PM

o Saturday, December 21 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

o Sunday, December 22 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

o Monday, December 23 11:00 AM & 7:00 PM

WHERE: Honda Center – 2695 E. Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92806

TICKETS: Ticket prices start at $15!

Discount Opening Night tickets available for as low as $16 each on select seating (not valid for premium VIP/Front Row seating)  

Tickets available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com or in-person at the venue Box Office.                                                                  *prices subject to change; additional venue/ticketing fees may apply

L O N G   B E A C H

WHEN: Thursday, December 26 – Monday, December 30

o Thursday, December 26 7:00 PM

o Friday, December 27 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

o Saturday, December 28 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

o Sunday, December 29 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

o Monday, December 30 7:00 PM

WHERE: Long Beach Arena – 300 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802

TICKETS: Ticket prices start at $15!

Discount Opening Night tickets available for as low as $16 each on select seating (not valid for premium VIP/Front Row seating)  

 Tickets available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com or in-person at the venue Box Office.                                                                  *prices subject to change; additional venue/ticketing fees may apply

O N T A R I O

WHEN: Wednesday, January 1 – Sunday, January 5

o Wednesday, January 1 7:00 PM

o Thursday, January 2 7:00 PM

o Friday, January 3 7:00 PM

o Saturday, January 4 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

o Sunday, January 5 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

WHERE: Toyota Arena – 4000 Ontario Center Parkway, Ontario, CA 91764

(formerly Citizens Business Bank Arena)

TICKETS: Ticket prices start at $15!

Discount Opening Night tickets available for as low as $16 each on select seating (not valid for premium VIP/Front Row seating)

Tickets available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com or in-person at the venue Box Office.                                                      *prices subject to change; additional venue/ticketing fees may apply

Chines Lantern Festival 2019

Last year we had the pleasure of attending the Chinese Lantern Festival at the Fairplex in Pomona. We are are excited to go back this year and see the new theme which is “Blooming Seasons.” There will be over one thousand lanterns this year inspired by the four seasons. There will be a vast array of flowers, animals, and insects lighting the pathways. I am looking forward to Anaiah and Zariah seeing all of the beautiful flower lantern creations.

The festival is up throughout the holidays starting November 21st through January 5th. This year they will feature mythical creature rides for the children. I know my children will love that. There will also be food and live performances. Of course a lantern Santa Clause perfect for photo opportunities. 

Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate at www.ChineseLanternFestival.com for $13-$27.

Gates open from 5:30 p.m.–10:00 p.m. with the last admission at 9:20 p.m. Fairplex parking is $12. Follow along at @ChineseLanternFest on Instagram, Facebook.com/chineselanternfestival and #ChineseLanternFestival

Crayola Glitter Dots

Houseoflafond had the amazing opportunity to spend the day playing and creating with Crayola Glitter Dots. I am not sure who had the most fun with them, Hashim and I, or our children. It was such a pleasure enjoying glitter without the left over mess for weeks. We were able to make our creations sparkle and shine without worrying about getting glitter everywhere. Crayola Glitter Dots are an adults dream! They are the cleanest way to incorporate glitter into any project. 

The possibilities are endless with Glitter Dots. They start as little balls that feel like play dough filled with glitter. They stick to a multitude of surfaces but can rub off easily. They can be added to things like play dough or slime or used for the simplest art activities. They sweep up easily without the forever lingering shine later. They are amazing for sensory activities also which I was excited about. 

While I played with the Crayola Glitter Dots my mind was thinking about how to incorporate them in math lessons and family art pieces. They will be so fun for the holidays to make gifts for friends and family. Our entire family, Hashim included enjoyed playing and creating with the Glitter Dots. Everyone was imaging the things that they will do with them. 

Live Action Lion King Review

So for Anaiah’s birthday we all went to see the Lion King. A little backstory is that the children were watching Disney Junior’s show the Lion Guard before they saw the Lion King. The Lion Guard is a spin-off from the movie. Once we showed them the Lion King we told them that it is a movie about Simba as a baby and growing up to be king. So they actually call the Lion King... “Baby Simba”. 

Anywho, the children were extremely excited to see the Lion King aka Baby Simba. They kept asking when we were going to the movies to see it. Anaiah kept asking if it was her birthday yet so she can see the movie. Whenever we brought the movie up, Yasir would start growling like a Lion. The children were ready. We were excited that they were excited. It gave us an excuse to go. We knew we wanted to see it but the kids wanting to see it was just extra for me and Hashim. 

Well... it wasn’t what we expected. The children were scared. Anaiah straight up said she didn’t like it. Hashim fell asleep. Yasir was not having it. I literally had to stand up and hold him in the theater. Thank God we always sit in the back corner. Zariah couldn’t have cared less. This family really wasn’t feeling it. I personally did enjoy it but I felt like it wasn’t for children as young as mine. If I saw it alone I think I would have loved it. I think it did lose some of it’s humor since it was live action. Using live animals limits what can be done compared to animation.  I am happy I saw it but I think my family was disappointed. 

Disney Junior T.O.T.S

Disney Junior just released a new series called T.O.T.S (Tiny Ones Transport Service). Not only are the characters in this show super cute but the show is also. Both of the girls think KC the Koala is the cutest. I love that my girls are the perfect age for Disney Junior.

Disney Junior has greenlit "T.O.T.S.," a heartfelt animated comedy for kids age 2-7, about the hilarious adventures of best friends Pip and Freddy, a tenacious penguin and a kind-hearted flamingo, who are the only non-stork delivery birds in-training at Tiny Ones Transport Service (T.O.T.S.). As new members of the esteemed team, these junior flyers must take tender care in transferring baby animals – kittens, cubs, calves, bunnies, puppies and joeys among them – from the nursery to their forever families around the globe. Together, they will learn how to nurture and care for the babies and use creative thinking and problem solving to model for young viewers that there isn't just one way to achieve a goal.

The series was created by Travis Braun (Disney Junior's "Vampirina" and Disney Channel's upcoming series "Fast Layne"), who also serves as co-executive producer.

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Photo Credit: Disney Junior/Todd Wawrychuk

Putting four kids to bed

One of my biggest struggles with four little children is nap time/bedtime. All of the children still nap. That sounds amazing and it really is when I can get them all asleep at the same time. It really is a beautiful silent time that I usually get all to myself. However, the time that they get sleepy varies. The amount of time that they nap also varies. All three older children share a room and Biggie sleeps in our room. Yasir is almost 2 so he sleeps the longest. The duration that Zariah sleeps depends on what she’s doing that day and how early she woke up that morning. Anaiah only sleeps for about an hour since she is getting older and growing out of naps. But she has a serious attitude without her nap — so she still gets one.

Because of the crazy sleep times I try to put Yasir to nap first. Then I send the girls to the room a little while later. However, when they are together in the room they play and keep each other awake. Sometimes the girls stay up until Yasir wakes up or worse they wake him up. I can’t yell at them because I also don’t want to wake him up. And we can’t forget that at some point Biggie is being put down for a nap or nursing during this time. There are days when nap time goes smooth and everyone is sleep and I peek in on them and it’s super peaceful, and there are other days where the girls don’t fall asleep until 5pm.

Bedtime is very similar to the nap order since I put Bubba to bed first. Yasir has learned to climb out of his crib so there is often the fight of constantly putting him back in the bed. He comes out of the room smiling at me. It’s really cute and frustrating at the same time. Some nights the girls go straight to sleep with no problem. Other nights there are constant requests for water (something about bedtime makes kids really thirsty), the bathroom or playing.

One day naps and bedtime will be a thing of the past. We don’t value sleep much as children. As adults it is so precious. It is great when we sleep but such bliss when our children sleep. I am definitely that mom that can’t wait for my children to go to sleep. When they finally are asleep I miss them.

Aladdin Movie Review

You know HouseofLafond had to see Aladdin. We absolutely loved it! Definitely a must-see. Aladdin has always been my favorite Disney movie as a child. I think I was more excited to go see the new movie than the kids.

The movie was everything I thought it would be. They definitely delivered the world renowned Disney experience. The movie in general was beautiful and stuck with the already amazing storyline. The songs and dances were perfection! The costumes and set design were works of art. I really felt like a kid again.

Anaiah said her favorite part was Princess Jazmine. She said she wished she could live there. So now we have to figure out how to get Anaiah to Agrabah. Hashim actually stayed awake during the entire movie and loved it. If you know Hashim you know he sleeps through everything. My favorite part was literally everything!

“​Making Babies” movie review

I normally don’t cry during movies ever, but Making Babies got me. Oh my goodness the Making Babies movie is so great! I absolutely loved everything about it. The movie was funny and very entertaining. It was serious and heartfelt. I enjoyed watching the couple on their journey to having a baby.

The movie focused on the reality of what couples feel when trying to have a baby even if it is easy for them. It acknowledges the stress and burdens that can be emotional and financial. I know the feeling of buying 3 or 4 pregnancy test and all of the waiting. Thinking that you can’t trust just one so you get at least two. There is such anticipation that comes when a couple is trying to have a baby. This movie  brings you on that journey.

I also loved that the movie is from both perspectives. It showed how both men and woman can feel. It showed their interactions with others during the process. So many couples keep the fact that they are trying to have a baby a secret. I loved that the movie showed how awkward and uncomfortable conversations can be. People in your life either support your decision or don’t but either way have their own opinion. 

One of my favorite things about the movie is their relationship. It was an honest representation of a couple. They were clearly in love and wanted to grow their family. They said the thing that couples say and think when life gets hard and they are facing challenges. We have all said things that we wish we hadn’t. We have all said things we wish we could take back. The reality that they are in love but have hurt each other is true in many relationships. It’s definitely something I know I can react to as a wife.

Following the couples journey was amazing. I laughed and was reminded of my own journey. This was a great movie for couples weather they want to have children, or don’t. It’s great for a couple that already has children. I also recommend this movie for a girls night. It is a fun movie with an amazing story. A must see!

Synopsis

“Katie and John Kelly (Eliza Coupe and Steve Howey) are ready to settle down and have kids but five years later, all they have to show for their efforts is a mountain of negative pregnancy tests and an increasingly elaborate home micro-brewing rig, which John hopes will launch his company.  As they run out of traditional options and their window closing, the couple explores the daunting world of medical, spiritual, and homeopathic methods to conceive a child. With an ensemble cast that also includes Bob Stephenson, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Ed Begley Jr., Jon Daly, and the late Glenne Headly, MAKING BABIES puts a couple through the ringer of modern infertility treatments and questions whether their marriage will withstand the ultimate test.”