MOTM. Pubs. Slugs & Bugs.

Happy Monday, Valley Moms!

🍩 This Friday is National Donut Day! Over 10 billion donuts are made each year in the U.S., and we have Canada to thank for the first donut machine (invented in 1920).

👀 In this week’s issue:

• Mom of the Month

• A new spot to eat in town

• The best kids’ music

Up first…

MOTHERHOOD

Pick a theme for the day

I’m not one to take parenting cues from social media (okay, yes, I am), but I stumbled on something the other day that was worth sharing.

The lady in the video (and I imagine others like it) said to pick a theme for the day instead of trying to do it all every day.

It was one of the most relatable videos for a type C mom like me.

You see it all the time: The moms with the routines and schedules and predictability making their way through each day with military precision. And I love those moms (I deep down want to be those moms), but I just can’t always get there.

No sweat. I started picking themes for the day instead, and now I have a more workable structure for my style and personality.

If you’re burdened by the do-it-all mentality, take a breather and try this on for size. Pick one or two of these “themes” at the start of each day:

• Productvie

• Present

• Restful

• Fun

• Survival

On your productive days, you’re super mom knocking out laundry, meal prepping, texting your friends back, answering emails, and kicking to-do list tail.

On present days, shove the to-do list aside and spend your day building block towers, reading (the same) books (over and over), lingering at the breakfast table.

On resful days, you’re doing the bare minimum, protecting your peace, napping when the kids nap, and ordering takeout.

On the fun days, you’re packing up the car and heading out for a new adventure, trying a new craft, baking with the kids (and licking the beater!).

On the survival days, you do what’s necessary to keep everyone happy and healthy. You’re wiping bottoms, sucking snot out of noses, snuggling on the couch, and doling out naptimes like it’s your job (it is).

Each of these types of days is special in its own way, and it creates the brain and heart space you need to be the best mom you can be!

QUICK QUESTION!

AROUND THE VALLEY

Mission Ridge eatery opens for the summer

School’s out for summer (soon), but things at Mission Ridge are just getting started!

For the first time, Mission Ridge is opening the Chair 5 Pub for the summer, starting Friday, June 6, and running through October 26, with an all-new menu that highlights local beers, wines, and seasonal ingredients.

Come for a hike up Lake Clara and stay for a laid-back mountain dining experience. Reservations are available, but walk-ins are encouraged!

Here are the summer operating hours:

• Friday 4-9pm

• Saturday 11am-9pm

• Sundays 9am-2pm

What else can you do at and around Mission Ridge in the off-season? We’re so glad you asked:

• Hike up to Mission Ridge Summit

  • Mountain bike (or hike) Upper Mission Ridge, Devils Gulch, and Squillchuck State Park

  • Fish at Beehiv Reservoir

  • Catch a live music or comedy act at Chair 5 Pub

Remember that not all areas are accessible during the off-season. Always pay attention to posted signage and stay up-to-date with weather conditions and the off-season access policy. You can also download the Mission Ridge app to get the most accurate info!

KIDS’ CORNER

Kids’ music that doesn’t drive you B-A-N-A-N-A-S

This is a recent find for me, and we are OBSESSED!

So, Slugs & Bugs creates (silly) faith-filled music and stories for kids and families — and it’s actually really good. The songs are typically straight-up Scripture, and it’s not annoying at all.

You can listen to their Sing the Bible songs on Spotify, and they also have a show on Amazon Prime (with an Ameba subscription)! Check out their website for even more!

ONE LAST THING

What’s stuck in your head?

The other day, I was doing dishes, and I couldn’t help but start singing one of my kids’ favorite songs. It got me thinking about what we listen to and watch on a daily basis.

The truth is: What’s stuck in your head is stuck in theirs.

I know you’ve experienced this before. Your kid blurts out a word or phrase you never taught them, they suddenly know the words to a show’s theme song out of nowhere, or they recognize a person or character on TV. It’s uncanny how much they pick up and retain.

So, this is just a gentle reminder for everyone (including myself) that our kids are watching and listening so so closely.

And the songs, phrases, words, and images stuck in your head are almost certainly stuck in theirs.

💝 Thanks for reading! Remember, you don’t have to hate your kids’ music!

🗒️ This just in! 75% of our readers are more than a little country. Keep yee-in and haw-in, mommas!

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