A Busy Week In the Valley

Rainy-day crafts, Advent ideas, Santa pointing to Jesus, and everything happening Dec 8–14.

Happy Monday, Valley Moms!

❄️ Fun Fact: Did you know snowflakes really are all unique? Scientists estimate there are over 10⁴³ possible snowflake shapes—so the one your kid catches on their mitten this week has truly never existed before.

It’s the second week of December, which means we’re officially in the season of cinnamon-scented houses, school concerts, glitter everywhere (seriously, everywhere), and that daily dance between slowing down and keeping up.

If you’re feeling both the joy and the overwhelm of this month, you’re in good company. Advent invites us to pause, to watch, to wait—and to remember that the light we celebrate at Christmas isn’t found in our productivity but in His presence.

Whether you’re crafting with your kids, heading to a tree lighting, or just trying to keep everyone healthy until January, we’re cheering you on. 💛

🎲 Family Fun Pick

If you need a Thanksgiving or Christmas-week game that works for the cousins, the grandparents, and everyone in between… Family Showdown is SUCH a hit. It’s a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud tournament-style game where families compete in mini challenges—think trivia, silly tasks, quick competitions, and team energy.

It’s easy to learn, fun for all ages, and way better than letting everyone scatter to screens after dinner.

Perfect for:
✔️ Thanksgiving gatherings
✔️ Snow days
✔️ Christmas breaks
✔️ Family game nights where you want zero prep and maximum fun

🗓️ Events Roundup: December 8-14

Mom Mingle Monday @ Inspirations Ceramic + Art Café — Dec 6, 5pm
Ribbon Cutting with The Skin Ritual — Dec 11, 4pm
Mama Circle @ The Mother’s Garden — Dec 11, 6pm
Reindeer Games @ Yonder East — Dec 12, 5pm
Awaken Family Christmas Party — Dec 12, 6pm
Ugly Sweater Night — Wenatchee Wild — Dec 12, 7pm
A Christmas Carol @ Riverside Playhouse — Dec 12–14, 18–21
Stuff the Stocking Event @ Firehouse Pet Shop — Dec 13–14, 5pm

More Events This Week:
• Pulse Rebrand Launch Party — Dec 13, 12pm
• Book Signing: Legends of Christmas — Dec 13, 1pm
• Holiday Tea @ The Wells House — Dec 13, 1pm
• Cowboy Christmas NFR Watch Party — Dec 13, 1pm
• Christmas Bingo @ Beehive Grange — Dec 13, 2pm
• Annual Parade & Toy Drive — Dec 13, 5:30pm
• Daughter’s Choice Father–Daughter Dance — Dec 13, 6pm
• Teddy Bear Toss — Wenatchee Wild — Dec 14, 4pm

Crafting Events:
• Holiday Wreath Making — Dec 10
• Cookie Decorating @ Watermill Winery — Dec 11
• Sip & Spin Wheel Throwing — Dec 13
• Felt Ornament Workshop — Dec 14

Santa Sightings:
• Cornerstone Church — Dec 12
• Santa Saturday (Quincy) — Dec 13
• Winter Wonderland Party — Wenatchee YMCA — Dec 13
• Cashmere Riverside Center — Dec 13–14
• Nutcracker @ Numerica PAC — Dec 1, 3
• Coastal Farm & Ranch — Dec 13

Spotlight: Valley Moms Community Calendar

Our new Community Calendar is live! It’s your one-stop shop for local happenings, from concerts to kid activities, workshops, and fairs.

  • Moms: Bookmark it and check back weekly for fresh events.

  • Local businesses/organizations: Submit your events directly — we’d love to feature them!

Stars Звезды GIF by ailadi

🧃 Kids’ Corner

✂️ Craft: Tissue Paper “Stained Glass” Christmas Stars
All you need: tissue paper scraps, contact paper, and scissors.
Cut out a star shape, stick your tissue pieces on the sticky side, press another sheet on top, and hang it in a window. Instant Christmas cheer!

🎶 Try This:
Play The Nutcracker soundtrack during craft time—kids love the energy of “Trepak” and “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.”

📚 Book Pick of the Week: Secrets of Winter (Usborne Peek Inside)
A magical lift-the-flap exploration of animals in winter—perfect for ages 2–7 and a cozy bedtime read this month.

Our Mom of the Month for December is…Jolene H.!

Here’s what one of her dear friends had to say about her:

Where to even begin about Jolene. My dear friend is a supportive wife, an intentional mama to her sweet boys, an amazing business owner (Mama Jo), and the most loyal friend. She gives 100% to everything she takes on and always has a listening ear and helping hands ready. It’s been such a gift raising my girls alongside of Jolene raising her boys. Even while she was pregnant herself she was there for me through my difficult pregnancies. She is simply the best and the mom’s version of a “girls’ girl.” You can find a true friend, listener and cheerleader in Jolene. ”

Congrats, Alyssa! Enjoy a tasty treat from The Mother’s Garden LLC, Beau & Co., The Skin Ritual, and Coffee Caboose!

Raining Rainy Day GIF by golden freckles

💛 Mom Life Pick of the Week

🎨 Blog: Rainy Day Crafts With Supplies You Already Have at Home
Rainy week? Kids bouncing off every surface? We’ve got you. This blog is packed with easy, low-prep, use-what-you-have craft ideas to save the day—think cardboard tube reindeer, paper plate snow globes, DIY ornaments, and more.

Perfect for cozy afternoons, snow days, or anytime you need a quick activity.

December Bible Verse of the Month

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” — John 1:5

As Advent begins, we remember that hope isn’t something we muster—it’s Someone who came near. Let this season draw you back to the quiet expectation of Christ’s arrival.

🗳️ This Week’s Poll

What’s your favorite kind of cozy night at home?

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👯‍♀️ Keep up with us @valley_moms on IG. Send comments and suggestions to [email protected].

🗒️ This just in: We’re tied! Half of the readers are excited about Christmas baking, and half are looking forward to gift-giving!

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