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Gift Children’s Books For Christmas
Children’s books are the best gift for the holidays. Reading promotes bonding, imagination and growth in every child. Make Eddie and Fred a part of your holiday season this year!
Skills- What are Calming Tools and How Do You Obtain Them
Calming tools vary based on the person using them. Everyone’s needs and strategies may be different. Some examples for kids can include a variety of items, such as stress balls,
Empowering Children: Emotion Mastery & Healthy Calming Techniques
Helping children develop emotional intelligence and effective coping mechanisms is crucial for their overall well-being. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of empowering children with emotion mastery
Helping Children Process Their Big Feelings
One of the biggest struggles as a parent is trying to help their children navigate through big feelings. No matter how trained or equipped we might feel, every child is
Eddie and Fred: Co-Authors Discuss Inspiration Behind Their Book
Andrea Perez and Diana Reynolds are the co-authors of the children’s book “Eddie and Fred: Were All Heroes.” Fred is a lovable dog who dreams about being a superhero. His
Benefits of Supporting and Celebrating Military Families with Children
In April of each year, the Military Child is honored with the celebration of Purple Up Month. This special month is dedicated to recognizing the unique challenges faced by military
Helping Children Cope with Military Deployment
Military deployment is a difficult and stressful time for everyone involved, especially for children. It is important to help children cope with the separation and changes that come with military
Best Social-Emotional Learning Activities
Social emotional learning (SEL) is an important part of education for elementary school students. It helps students to understand and manage their emotions, build positive relationships with others, and develop
How Important is Social Emotional Development for Children Early On?
Social emotional development refers to the ability of children to understand and manage their emotions, develop positive relationships with others, and make responsible decisions. It’s an essential part of a
Understanding The Importance of Reading to Children
Reading to children might be one of the most important jobs a parent has. You have the ability to not only open children’s minds to stories but to teach them
Social Emotional Learning Through Books
As our children get older, it becomes more essential for us to help our children understand themselves better, which is where social emotional learning can be an invaluable tool. Social
Characteristics- What Makes a SuperHero a SuperHero
What is a superhero? The concept of superheroes is introduced to our children at a very early age. We constantly see action figures in stores and superheroes displayed on billboards
Kindness, Courage, & Friendship 3 Important Qualities to Teach Kids
When it comes to teaching kids, we must remember that it’s not just about the things they learn in school, but the real innate human traits that will help them
May we never forget
My hope for everyone on memorial day is that you all enjoy your BBQ’s, spend time with your friends and family, and enjoy the little things that we all take
Purple up!
Thank you OCM BOCES for giving Diana and I the opportunity to present virtually to over 52 classrooms this week! We were able to read our book and discuss our
Our first year: A look back
Today, April 15, marks our one year anniversary of publishing our first children’s book. We wanted to share all the fun things we’ve been doing this past year. Being able
Introducing Fred…
I loved seeing my students excited reactions when they learned Fred was based on a real dog. Here’s to the greatest dog I have ever known. May you continue to
“I loved you your whole life, I’ll miss you for the rest of mine”
I have been dreading writing this post because a part of me feels like it’s not real. I’m saddened to share that we laid Fred to rest on December 26th.
Operation Shower
Every month we try to find ways to pay it forward, spread kindness, and honor Eddie. November is a significant month for us because it’s the anniversary of Eddie’s passing
Let’s celebrate a beautiful life!
Today, I will focus on the joy you brought into this world and all the lives that you touched. I always loved your energy, your silliness, your tremendous heart and
Eddie and Fred YouTube read aloud
Thank you Miss Danni from One goat Story Time for your beautiful reading of our story Eddie and Fred: We’re All Heroes. Click on the link below to enjoy the
When your illustrator is spot on!
We loved seeing the development of our characters and how they came alive. My artistic ability consists of sloppy stick figures and generic smiley faces. Thank goodness for our incredibly
Happy Birthday Eddie!
Today is what would have been Eddie’s 36th birthday. Giving, friendly, fun, goofball are just a few words to describe him. He was larger than life making people laugh and
Coming soon…April 2021!
When I was a little girl I loved reading and writing stories. As I got older, that love faded and my dream of becoming an author was no longer something
2021…may you bring health and happiness to all!
As I look over at my drying rack filled with adult and child size masks of different colors and patterns, I can’t help but think what a strange, bizarre world
10 years to pay it forward…
“The world changes from year to year, our lives from day to day. But the love and memory of you, shall never pass away.” 10 years is often celebrated as
My next project!!!
I am beyond excited to announce that after years of discussing this idea, my sister Diana and I have written our first children’s book! Being a school counselor, I really
Back to school…smile under your mask
It’s hard to believe it’s been almost 6 months since staff and students have stepped foot into a school building. When the schools started closing, I assumed it would close
May we never forget (MDW 2020)
This memorial day is different than most. Stores are closed, barbecues are cancelled and large celebrations are not allowed. Even though plans may have been cancelled, there is still an
WWED: A Quarantined Birthday Celebration/Reflection
April 25th will always be a date that brings me joy and cause for celebration. Eddie would have been 35 today and I can picture him dancing around with his
Pants not required…
I’m sure people are overwhelmed hearing about the Covid 19 virus. People are scared, lost and trying to figure out this new virtual world we are currently living in. In
New year, same me, big goals!
I find myself reflecting back on the exciting moments in 2019 and all the memories that made me smile. My biggest accomplishment was publishing my book! I deeply appreciate everyone
Our salute to service
The anniversary of Eddie’s death could be a terrible day. Thinking back on painful memories and feelings could be consuming and has been in the past. November 10th could be
Signed books for sale!
Wow, I’m really feeling the love! Thank you to everyone who took time out of their day to come by the Nyack street fair and support me. Especially Aunt Helen
Nyack Street Fair Book Signing
Join me Sunday, October 13th, at the Nyack street fair in Rockland County, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm where I will be selling copies of my book. For those
Everyone could use a Finny in their life
Many people have fallen in love with “the Finny character” after reading my story. I mean, duh, how could you not? He is even more incredible than what I shared
Thank you for your support
It has been an emotional week after releasing my memoir. Thank you doesn’t even come close to fully express my gratitude to each and every one of you. For every
Early release!!
Well, Amazon worked a lot quicker than I thought! My memoir is now available on Kindle and paperback! I hope you enjoy my story. Please take a moment to leave
Release date!!!
Have you ever done something exciting yet terrifying at the same time? Well here goes nothing… After all these years, writing, editing, second guessing, ripping my hair out, tears, laughter,
Getting closer!!
I am overwhelmed with emotion as I received the proof copy of my book from Amazon! After all of this time it feels surreal to be holding it in my
9th annual Sgt Edward Bolen memorial golf tournament
We had another amazing turnout for the 9th annual SGT Edward Bolen memorial golf tournament, raising $8,000. Thank you Casolwood golf course and to all of the incredible people who
Donation for a good cause
A huge thank you to my incredibly talented friend Melina Cronin from My Perspective Photography who also took my book cover photo. She graciously donated this beautiful canvas photo for
Cover Reveal!
I’m excited to share the front and back cover of my memoir. This was not my original vision for my cover as I was not planning on having my face
Land of the Free because of the Brave
Eddie is just one of the many who have risked it all so we are able to live freely. Thank you for being the hero that you didn’t try to
Moving forward
Thank you to my friend Emily for sharing this Ted talk of Nora Mclnerly with me. For those who have suffered a loss or know someone who is grieving, I
The face of courage
Today I had the pleasure of meeting author, James McLeod. James excitedly shared his book “The Boy Behind The Face” with the first graders in the school I work in.
Celebrating a beautiful life 4/25
Every year on Eddie’s birthday I like to do something to celebrate his life. I have surrounded myself with those who love him, toasted to him during a beautiful sunset,
Live in the present
This quote really resonates with me. Sometimes I catch myself counting down the days until Friday and realize I need to stop wishing time away. Our time is short, precious
A New Path
I have great news to share about the availability of my memoir “Who Are You Calling a Widow?” I decided to take my book into my own hands. What does
Always believe in yourself!
Self doubt has been my biggest struggle when it comes to writing. I’m so fixated on making sure everything is perfect and that everyone is going to like my book.
All you need is love…
I truly believe there is more good than evil in this world. Love and kindness is stronger than hate.
Bring it on 2019!
May 2019 bring you love, happiness, extra vacation days, chocolate that makes you thinner, a house that cleans itself and 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep! “Today is the first blank
Happy holidays!
It’s important to realize that the holidays are not always joyous for some and that it can be a painful time of year or a painful reminder. While someone may
Tis the season of giving!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, right? Not everyone is going to share that feeling. The holiday scramble is upon us trying to find the best sales and
Proud to be an American
On Saturday November 10, 2018 I attended the unveiling of the monument dedicated to Veterans of the Gulf War/War on terror. I feel a huge sense of pride being from
A Toast to the Beautiful Life of Sgt Edward Bolen
Dates and anniversaries have a way of bringing us back to a moment in time. The memories seem clearer and sharper. Smells, sounds, thoughts and feelings come back as if
On air with Steve Repak
Radio host, speaker, author, certified financial planner and Army veteran Steve Repak graciously reached out to me for an interview on his Christian finance radio show. He predominantly focuses on
Always remember the hero’s of 911
Most people look back to where they were when they heard the unthinkable happened. It was a day that is imbedded into our minds leaving it impossible to forget. I
A writer’s Euphoria
After attending the Thrillerfest last week in NYC, I found myself thinking about the term “runner’s high.” Once a runner reaches a certain distance, their endorphins kick in and they
Hole in one!
Yesterday was the 8th annual memorial golf tournament for Eddie. People traveled from all over the U.S. to celebrate his life and I know he would be forever grateful. I’m
8th annual SGT Edward Bolen memorial golf tournament
June 30th will be the 8th annual SGT Edward Bolen memorial golf tournament. This amazing tournament has donated to the Wounded Warriors foundation, Fisher house and provided scholarships for students
Freedom isn’t free
When I was younger I didn’t truly understand the meaning of Memorial Day. To me, it was a 3-day weekend filled with BBQ’s, swimming and fun times with family and
Raise your glass…
Today is and always will be a special day for me. Today, April 25, Eddie was supposed to turn 33. While I have struggled through this day without him through
Homefront Hugs Foundation
It’s amazing how people can connect with others through tragedies in their lives. It could be someone you might have never met if the circumstances were even slightly different. I
Veterans bringing safety to our schools
I like to keep things light and positive as much as possible and not engage in political talk. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and conversations can turn ugly
The magic of books
I feel an immense amount of pride and joy that my toddler shares my love for reading. Books are beautiful treasures that open doors to many different worlds, ideas and
What’s next?
So, now you have a literary agent…What’s next?? Many have asked me if this means my book will be coming out soon. As much as I wish that were true,
Big Announcement!!
I am over the moon excited that I have signed with the lovely Terrie Wolf at AKA literary management as my literary agent! After months of editing, querying, receiving endless
A writer’s journey…
It has occured to me that the fellowship amongst writers is like one long run on sentence. I’m constantly blown away by the kindness of other writers. Being new to
Happy Holidays!
During this holiday season, I ask that you continue the WWED (What Would Eddie Do) mantra and spread kindness. Some are celebrating the holidays, while others are dreading it. Many
Never forget SGT Edward Bolen 11/10/10
Today is a day that weighs heavy on my heart. From the moment the two soldiers arrived at my house, I knew my biggest fear had become a reality. I
“Do one thing everyday that scares you” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Last week I did just that. I have been working on my memoir for over six years and have told very few people about it. I’ve kept it a secret
I get by with a little help from my friends
I would like to start my first blog by thanking all of those who helped me get to where I am today. For those who know me, I’m sure this