New Review of my Latest Book

“Cool Down and Work Through Anger is an excellent anger-management toolbox written at reading level 1–2 for kids ages 4–8. Full-color illustrations provide examples of kids experiencing anger management problems and solutions. Cool Down and Work Through Anger is described as a gentle empowering book that helps kids channel their anger by giving constructive alternatives, rather than focusing on what not to do. Cool Down and Work Through Anger is very accessible and kid-friendly without talking down to kids. Its simple, direct language provides real models of better ways to interact and deal with anger. Cool Down and Work Through Anger is a paperback book that includes an activity guide for adults with specific suggestions for ways to reinforce helpful ideas and also a number of suggested games and activities to resolve anger. Cool Down and Work Through Anger is part of the Learning to Get Along series from Free Spirit Publishing. Cool Down and Work Through Anger is highly recommended for kids ages 4–8 who have anger management issues or concerns.”

—Midwest Book Review, Children’s Bookwatch: Reviewer’s Choice

Trip to California

In June I went to visit my mom and her husband Craig who live near San Diego. I was there to help my mom organize some things in her home. Here is her china cupboard all organized. (Nice of her to display the hanging of Birds in stained glass which I made for her.)

They live in the Avocado capital of the world, so one recipe I wanted to try was a fresh, cold avocado and buttermilk soup.  YUMMMM

We traveled one weekend to Santa Rosa in Northern California (about an 8 hour drive) to see my brothers. We ate at a fun Mexican restaurant where we watched a machine making the tortillas.

The next day we went to a fair.  Vic had several of his mosaics displayed in this large tent where people could come to get out of the heat.



We also had dinner one night at Amity's house.


One day we saw the Mormon Battalion Museum owned by our church which commemorates the group of Mormons who blazed the trail to California as part of the US army. They suffered a lot of deprivation, but never were required to fight.

Mom volunteered to help demonstrate the gear they wore.


One day my Uncle Bob took us into the nearby town of Temecula. This was actually a town where our son James had served his mission.

We went to the beach one day--and then one evening.  The best part was the smell of caramel corn--which was irresistible, and munching on it as we walked on the pier. It was a beautiful trip, and I got to see a lot of my family as well as to help out.

Girls Just Want to Have Fun

                                           Julia

Andrea

Sometimes you find out on your camera what your kids are up to
when you are gone. :)

Seminary Graduation

Julia made a poster of her life to celebrate her graduation from Seminary.  For four years she left for seminary every school day at 5:30 am.  It's a great accomplishment, and I think she learned from it, and it gave her a lift for the day.

Daniel leaves on his mission

Daniel received his mission call while attending BYU in Provo, Utah.   He was called to the Nevada Las Vegas Mission--speaking Spanish

After he finished BYU he came home for about 3 weeks.  He got all his clothes purchased and packed and he left for the Mssion Training Center (also in Provo, Utah) on June 2, 2010.

Daniel attended the Washington DC temple with David and I before leaving.

Dave flew out with Daniel.  First they made a stop in Idaho to see James.  The brothers hadn't seen each other in over 2 years because James had been away on his mission to California (also Spanish-speaking.)  They took a drive to Yellowstone Park before Dave and Daniel headed to the Mission Training Center in Provo, Utah.