Deanna Linz~TV Host and Pageant Coach

So, what can I say, not the best few weeks of my life but I am very happy that Arma won. My week started with me being let go from my job "via email" as my boss felt I could not find adequate childcare in the next week so it was best we part ways. I only charged the company for hours worked and was planning on going back to work on the 27th as after working through locate childcare and other resources, I was able to find childcare. It wasn't his decision to make. They have been doing lay offs and I guess it is ok for others to work from home. Who knows....God has other plans. I felt like Carrie when Burger (is that really how he spelled it)broke up with a post it note! I figured I would just keep moving forward and stay positive. As we were packing up yesterday, Carter's gtube area was red and swollen so we spent most of the day at Luthern General in Chicago.

The week was good and the International staff did a great job.

I wanted to take some time to post in reference to the beautiful nature of some of the contestants. I was able to get to know Melissa Zwelling (Southern States) and I really liked her. I am sure she interviewed well and she is a sweet person. Lindsey Gregg (Mrs Ohio) I loved. What a spirit of pageantry award winner! Heidi Scheer(Great Lakes), a doll. Adrienne Carver Watson, very nice and boy can she move. Oklahoma, I just don't think they make a bad person in that state. I had Oregon, Georgia, Great Lakes,Arkansas, PA, Florida and NC in my top 10 also but that is what makes pageatry so objective. It is the opinion of FIVE individuals that are forced to make a choice in roughly 7 minutes of face time between stage and interview. You can't take it personally.

(DISCLAIMER TO ALL OF THE NAYSAYERS: Unfortunately, it is hard to get to know EVERYONE so if your favorite was omitted it was only because I did not get a chance to really speak with them and not a reflection IN ANY WAY of any personal feelings, issues or ill intent against them or anyone. My comments are solely based on those who I was able to spend time with this week. For example, Illinios seemed like a very sweet lady also but I did not have much of a chance to really get to know her but I really thought she was impressive)

Arma, our new Mrs International, is lovely. Everyone rallied around her. The judges got it right!

To Laine, what a wonderful job you did this year. I am sooooo proud of you! You did leave big shoes to fill. You are beautiful, poised and articulate. I will enjoy to continue to see all you do.

Eddie Peterson, oh if I could only come back again I would move to California!!!!! Love you and all of your inspiration words. My Director, Yvette, THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT! I was hoping to do better but you made the week so incredible for me. Clay, Joey, Terry....what can I say....you are family. Today, tomorrow and always.

Mary and Mel, I have always wanted to be your queen but even though I didn't winn(ok or even place:) I still feel like a winner.

Amy Gregorio~THANK YOU FOR BEING SUCH A SPECIAL BEST GIRLFRIEND! Your heart is so incredible. I love you and can't wait for you to have your crowning moment! You are a queen already.

My family and my love (big and little)~ I love you. Lois Lane and Benjamin, this would not have been possible without you. Joe and SKINN Cosmetics, thank you. Big hug and lots of love.

Signing off from Mrs International week 2009. Good luck to Juliana McKee, Miss Teen DC International 2009 as your week begins. I am so proud of you! Go enjoy your week and be the best you can be.

Lots of love and praying for some good luck and a winning lottery ticket:)

The Linz-Pemberton family

(I will be uploading photos of finals in the next few days)