Cheryl,
It seems that some members of the Forum forget that if you get one positive thing from any method book, you are doing well! That's what it's all about; take it all in and sort out what you can use. It might be only one thing!
A number of years ago I watched a video lesson Roger Ingram gave to a couple of trumpet players (probably not an "authorized" video). One thing he demonstrated changed my playing! I wish I could relay the actual point he was trying to make (because it was rated PG13). Ultimately, he pointed out that the breath should start in the diaphragm---outward movement to keep the throat relaxed (almost as if your were "scared"--but..that's not the example he used...)
Ted