I had the sincere pleasure of helping out with the Daddy/Daughter dance at the Bellevue Housing Center in DC. Andy and I helped last year and it was our honor to be there again. The afternoon was filled with a lot of arts and crafts for the children and many hugs for the parents. I also was able to participate in my first soul train dance!

Thank you to the Fleet and Family services for your commitment to providing support for our military families. A special thank you to Jacquline Hayes and all of the volunteers who made the second year one to be remembered by all.

Deanna Linz

Mrs Alabama International 2009

To my Daddy in heaven~It was June when you went to heaven and each Father's Day I miss you more and more.

In memory of my Father~ Harold Thomas Pemberton

God saw he was getting tired
And a cure was not meant to be
So He put His arms around him
And whispered, "Come with Me"

With tearful eyes
We watched him fade away
Although we love him dearly
we could not make him stay

A golden heart stopped beating
working hands were laid to rest
God broke our hearts to prove to us
HE ONLY TAKES THE BEST

I remember in 2006 I was sitting by the pool on a very sunny Fathers Day. My husband was deployed to Iraq and I was alone trapped in a world of thoughts. As I was sitting there, my phone rang. It was staff duty out of Germany. They called to inform me that there had been an IED attack but my husband had not been injured. They often did this as word travels fast and this helps to ease the minds of the families left behind. Unfortunately, that day one soldier lost his life and two others were injured. All I kept thinking was it was Fathers Day and the children of these men would remember this every Fathers Day for the rest of their lives. I remember this too...and will always.

On this Fathers Day, please remember to say thank you to all who serve or have served for this country. Too the Dad's everywhere, thank you and God Bless.

To my wonderful husband, HAPPY FATHERS DAY! We love you...you are a DADDY THIS YEAR TOO!

This past week has been full of blessings and joy. After 165 days in the NICU, my son came home. To say we are excited and proud does not do our emotions justice. He is a miracle. At birth we knew Carter had a very slim chance survival at 23 weeks gestation. It was less than 15%. We were told during the course that he may not make it through the night. He did and he is my fighter.

During our journey we met so many wonderful people. Staff, patients...friends. You never know in life what people actually go through until you live it. It has been an incredibly emotional journey.

I know at times some may like to take a situation and turn it into a reason of negativity or not going on with your life. From the outside looking in it may have been easy to judge me and my family for choices we made and continue to make. It is the strength inside that carries us as a family and that same strength will get us through any journey. God is great.

My life is not one of pity but it is one of circumstance. Ever day in the NICU I witnessed another family experiencing a similar situation so how dare I feel sorry for myself. We are home from the NICU....

Andy and I have been involved with many organizations that encourage the support of our military community and their families for over 5 years. In the past 165 days, it is those families and the military community that has lifted us up and saved my sons life.

Thank you to the National Naval Medical Center and its staff for all you have done and continue to do daily in support of our military community.

Yesterday, it was my turn to give back. The Armed Forces Foundation host meals at Walter Reed, National Naval and HH MCQuire. It was my honor to serve you...thank you...

MAJ Christopher, Deanna & Carter Linz

USO Delivers First USO in a Box to AfghanistanTroops at FOB Shank Receive Special Memorial Day Gift

ARLINGTON, Va., May 25, 2009 – Troops at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Shank, Afghanistan, will receive a special delivery on Memorial Day—the first USO in a Box. The USO in a Box program converts the expandable Tactical Operation Centers (TOC) used by the military into unmanned USO centers that can be trucked or heloed into austere operating environments, allowing the USO to continue delivering services and support to a highly mobile military serving in the most remote regions.

“As the American people pause to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the safety and security of our nation, it is important to also support our troops who make significant sacrifices every day” said Sloan Gibson, USO president. “While we can’t build a USO center everywhere the troops serve, the USO in a Box program allows us to deliver much of the goodness of a fixed center.”

Each unit features Internet access, two Dell ruggedized laptop computers, three 23-inch HD flat screen televisions, three Xbox® 360 video gaming systems and two voice-over-Internet phones. The movie theater area features a 42-inch HD flat screen television with a DVD player and Dolby® surround sound. Each unit also has a self-contained diesel generator and climate control system with heating and air conditioning.

Working with Michigan-based aviation support company AAR, the USO created the first three USO in a Box units for delivery to troops in Afghanistan. Easily setup to be operational in 20 minutes, the mobile nature of the USO in a Box program allows for quick movement from one location to another.

For more information on the USO and its programs, visit www.USO.org.

Through the past few months I have come to value the relationships I have made and the blessings of the life we live everyday. One of my dearest friends is Amy Gregario. Amy walked on behalf of "Team Rocky" (aka Carter:))for the March of Dimes. Thank you Amy for all you do everyday and for being such a good friend and blessing in my life. Here she is with her daughter Ali.

I am excited to be helping out with the American Heart Associations Recess at the Gym Day!!!!! I am sure I will have plenty of pictures to post!!!




Recess at the Gym Day of Plan:



What: Recess at the Gym is the finale to the inaugural Recess by the River program hosted by the American Heart Association with support from CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, DC Parks and Recreation, National Association of Teen Fitness and Exercise, the Washington Redskins and DC Divas. The day will serve to reward up to 200 children who participated in the program by engaging in healthy activities from September through April. The program focuses on youth from Wards 7 and 8, which have the highest levels of childhood obesity in the nation.

The day’s activities include dance class, a nutrition seminar, an obstacle course with the DC Divas, strength training and a presentation of two Wii game systems to the Ward 7 and Ward 8 Rec Centers with the highest level of participation in the program.

Happy Belated Mothers to day to all!

I had a wonderful weekend. Saturday I volunteered for the Hearts Delight and Auction for the American Heart Association. The turnout was wonderful the the day was full of festivities. As usual, AHA of Greater Washington did an amazing job and was incredibly organized.




Sunday was Mothers Day, my first!!!! Carter is down to one liter on his oxygen and is doing well. I also had the honor of emceeing the Teen/Miss DC International Pageant. I had a wonderful time!

Congrats to the new title holders!

Thank you Angela from North Dakota for walking on behalf of team "Rocky"!!!! The letter below was written by her 1st grader.

North Dakota raised 90,000 for the March of Dimes

_______________________________________

Dear Carter,

Today we walkd for you becase you r too little to walk yorslf.
It was cold on the walk and my legs got tired. My legs rn't vry long but they r bigher then yours.
We talked about you the whol time we walked. That helpped.
My mommy shoed me picures of you. You are vry litle and vry cute.
I hoop you get that thing out of yur nos soon.
Please grow big so you can walk wif us next time. Lots of us r prying for you. Grow good.
Love,
AnneMarie

Warmest Wishes,

Angela Smith
http://www.hopehealingempowerment.blogspot.com
http://www.thevictimsvoices.blogspot.com

I am happy to report that my son is doing GREAT!!!! I am so proud of him and so excited to be in a place of happiness as he has been through so much.


I am Mrs Alabama Int'l 2009 and very excited. I understand the thoughts that are out there about me competing but as I walked last week with great friends, my husband and my furry family, I was once again reminded of the beautiful people I met through pageantry.

My story is not one that I lived alone. There are many that go through this daily yet move on. People ask me how I do it. It is my SON, Carter, (my biggest hero)MY HUSBAND AND HIS REMARKABLE SERVICE, Tiffany Berg and her husband, Laine Berry and her family, Cay Stout, Ryan and your beautiful daughter, my sister and my parents, AJ and your heart and Lori...your soul, CJ...my point is I am so not alone in my story and my life. When I lost my parents, I picked up the phone everyday hoping my Mom would answer. I am soooo blessed to those who answer the call.

If you let the world tear you down, it will because it doesn't get better until you make those strides. YOU ARE BETTER if you fill the shoes you walk in, not judge them.

Good morning-

I had a great weekend with family and friends which started off with a walk for the MARCH OF DIMES. Laquisha Hall (Mrs MD Galaxy 2009), Peta Gay Lewis, Heather Ablondi (Mrs MD Int'l 2008) and of course my wonderful husband, Halo and Jack all joined in. It was a great walk and very warm. The turnout was amazing and our team raised $500 for the MD walk. Go team "Rocky"!!!!

Thank you to all work donated and walked this weekend on behalf of Carter (aka- Team Rocky)

Connie Sharp in Ohio, Amy Gregario in Illinois, Angela Smith in North Dakota, Joy Wadsworth in Alabama.

Love to all!!!!!!

I wanted to thank my wonderful friends and family who have donated to the March of Dimes for Carters walk this Saturday and my incredible friends who are walking too! Carter thanks you, I thank you and all of the babies born everyday thank you!!!!

Amy Gregario- Walking in Illinois
Joy Wadsworth- Walking in Alabama
Heather Ablondi- Walking in Baltimore, MD
Laquisha Hall- Walking in Rockville, MD
Peta Gay Lewis- Walking in Rockville, MD
Angela Smith- Walking in North Dakota

Darlene Deeben, Meredith Boyd, Dr Bonnie Jeffries and of course my wonderful husband!

http://www.marchforbabies.org/teams/CarterThomasLinz


Its not to late to donate or walk!!!!!

You looking at me?
Guardian Smurfs!


I have a thought!


It is hard to believe Carter has been in the NICU for 106 days, but he is doing well. We love the NICU staff and I continue to praise them for all they do EVERYDAY. I have to tell you, one thing I noticed in the NICU is there are A LOT of twins out there!

Easter was celebrated with Carters 100th day of life and also Andy and I's wedding anniversary. We technically celebrate two each year but this is the "official" one:)

Carter is still on hi-flow but is getting bigger each day. He is up to 4lbs, 16 oz. We are doing the March of Dimes walk for him next week. Excited.

http://www.marchforbabies.org/teams/CarterThomasLinz



Many positive things on the horizon and I will post more later!

Love to all-

Deanna, Andy, Carter, Halo, Josie & Jack

So today I was watching the news and I have an issue....

Everyone, including President Obama states that we are coming home from Iraq. It makes a great speech and he does it well but there is one point that seems to be out of the spot light.

My sister is deploying to Afghanistan for 15 months, Carters Doctor deployed and his nurses have deployed and are deploying.

I realize in the economic state it is easy to forget and the media is not covering it as it was.

We continue to deploy daily. There are over 20K in Afghanistan.

I love you Mommy!!!Really 1st runner up! Yeah!
Beautiful Amy & Carter
The stunning Mrs ladies...Ginny Meerman, Rebecca Crosen, Amy G and Laura Price
Clay Spann and the gals!
Clay, Joey and I giving me the "Competitive Image":)))
Beautiful Laine Berry, Mrs International and I
Joey, Clay and I! Thank goodness the dress zipped up!
My love and baby daddy....Andy...my love
Andrienne Carver, Mrs MD Intl 2009. You rocked beautiful lady! Congrats!
Cocktail Party
Orientation
Laine Berry, Heather Ablondi and I.

I had such a nice weekend with family, friends and the contestants. The Miss Teen, Preteen and Mrs Categories had some remarkable women and young ladies competing. I am sure it was hard for the judges to choose and as we all know…there can only be one winner!



In the Mrs:



Adrienne Watson Carver- Winner and winner of most people in the audience

Deanna Linz- First Runner up and Photogenic (Clay Spann did my photos and ad and he is AMAZING!!!)

LaQuisha Hall- 2nd runner up and Congeniality



I did my best and I have no regrets. I love the International system and family. Clay Spann, Joey Rutherford and Terri came in from Alabama to do my hair, make up and to GET ME INTO THAT DRESS))) After having a baby in January, I am not “Mrs Fitness” yet so some things were a bit tight….who breathes in a pageant anyway….right? They are remarkable people and geniuses when it comes to wardrobe and makeup. I have been working with them for 4 years now and feel so lucky to have them in my life. There links are at the top of the blog and I highly recommend them!!!!



My good friend Amy Gregario also flew in from Illinois for support. She had quite the spread in the hotel room for after the pageant. SOOOOOO sweet! Love you AMY!!!!! You have been such a wonderful friend to me and I thank you so much for ALWAYS being there. Not sure what I would do without our daily calls and text for motivation. You look AMAZING!



I have to say all the contestants were so sweet. What an amazing group of caring and sincere ladies.



The beautiful Mrs Laine Berry was also in attendance and judged the Teen category. She looked STUNNING (of course) and I am so proud of all the work she is doing for Go Red and the International system.



To Joe & Dimitri….ahh the journey….thank you for believing in me. Hugging you all the way from Maryland!!!! With both arms!



Andy, I won’t tell you I will never compete again because that would be a LIE))))) I still have one more chance to be Mrs International!!!! After that I am done...no REALLY!!!!!


I know there was a lot of question about me doing the pageant and I am glad I did. I will continue to do my work with America Supports You, Go Red and various other organizations. It is important to get out there and make a difference. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed because lets face it, we wouldn’t enter a pageant if we didn’t want to win; however, I am also very excited for Adrienne. She will do remarkable things for the state of Maryland and I think will shine in Chicago. Supporting her all the way!





Carter is doing well and growing daily. I am so proud of him. Thank you to all who came to see him this weekend. High five from Carter!



Much love to all….Deanna, Andy, Carter, Halo, Josie & Jack

So I just got back from visiting my little perfect man and very excited for the weekend to begin. Today we have check in, rehearsals and a cocktail party. I am very much looking forward to seeing my good friends this weekend and celebrating marriage with my husband. As I said to him this morning, "Thank you for loving me, giving me Carter and being so incredibly special".Of course I told him this about 4am so I am hoping he remembers...which is why I am writing it down!

This also would have been my Fathers birthday weekend. Happy Birthday and I miss you daily.

I am off to get ready and then drive up. I must be crazy because I spray tanned this morning and IT IS RAINING!!!! So far this week, my dress was altered wrong, the hospital was hit by lightening this morning so every siren was going off and my friends who are coming in had a bumpy road and almost didn't make it at the airport!

But...God is great, Carter is great and life is great.....there are far worse things to worry about, right!:)

If you are coming to the pageant, it is at Kent Island High school. Pageant is 8-11pm tomorrow night!

Many thanks again to Joe and Dimitri for sponsoring me and believing in me. Without you, this would not be possible. I love you always....

To the sisters I am competing with, could you be any more beautiful? Inside and out. Thank you Peta and Laquisha for walking with me for Carter. You are incredible ladies!

God is great...safe travels-

Deanna

Mrs Rockville Maryland International 2009 and proud Mommy to Carter!

Well as you can imagine, I am on cloud nine and feel so blessed...God is GREAT!


I have made the decision to compete for Mrs Maryland International. This was a decision I made right after Mrs International last year (literally) and then God gave us the beautiful gift of Carter and everything changed. Because of our journey, I have learned and grown so much. There are days I thought my heart would break and I just wanted to crawl in a hole. As I look around the NICU and see how many babies come in EVERYDAY, I am far from alone in my story as many have gone through it before and will continue to even after Carter is home. Feeling sorry for myself is not an option. What good would I be for my son if I did that. I fell in love with the International system because of the people involved in it and the extended family it has given me through my sisters in pageantry. The amazing women I have met humble me. I have seen them come together through tragedy and rally when needed. The love and support I have felt for Carter leaves me speechless and so blessed I could not have gotten through this without it.


I have choices in life. I remember after I lost my parents I felt so alone but I knew my parents would want me to live my life and make a difference, which is why I became involved with the American Heart Association. Through my sisters battle with breast cancer, I became involved with various breast cancer events and walks.Even after walking so many miles, I realized I did not walk in her shoes. Through my husband and his 5 deployments in 9 years, I have learned the value of our military and the sacrifices they make everyday.

My journey through life is one that many people live everyday. The challenges we face, the tragedy's and the beautiful gift called life. My choice is to stand up for my family, my son, my husband and my God and hopefully make a difference.


I am humbly inspired by people like Cay Stout who lost her husband to ALS, Jervaun Trier and her husband for the missionary work they do, Lindsey Brothers for her work with the Armed Forces, Laine Berry for all she has gone through with her parents health and her ability to make a difference, Amy Gregario for doing so much for so many, the doctors and nurses that take care of our beautiful babies everyday and save lifes....and the list goes on and on.


So I am competing for my son, my husband and those who make the choice everyday to stand up and make a difference. I realize a crown is not what you need to do that but it does offer the platform to be heard on a broader level. If I can just touch one person, then my job is done....


The Maryland International family is a beautiful one. There are so many incredible people involved and competing. The ladies are beautiful and frankly it is anyone's pageant. I encourage and ask to please support all of us who are competing. We are all excited and support each other, which again, is what makes the International family so special. We all have stories so don't judge until you walk in someone shoes. We all know what we can handle.

To Joe Peri & Dimitri, love you guys! Thank you for continuing to sponsor my journey. I'll do my best!

To my little hero Carter and my big hero Andy, I love you both...with everything I have. You make me want to be a better person everyday....

God is great!

It has been a great few weeks. Carter has made great strides and is doing well on hi flow. He was moved to the intermediate side of the NICU yesterday and I am soooooo proud of him!!! They always say that God doesn't give you anything you can't handle. I hope I have made him proud. I truly believe our little Carter is meant for great things!!!

Andy's parents came in this past weekend and unfortunatly my Mother in law was to sick to come to the hospital to visit Carter. My Father in law came though along with Uncle Tommy and we got some cute photos. Grandpa held Carter for the first time.

This is a wonderful and exciting week for us. I am looking forward to visiting with good friends this weekend.

Much love and MANY thanks for all the prayers.

Carters Mommy:)

Today I am writing with GREAT EXCITEMENT! Carter is doing very well!!!! It is so exciting to see the progression when there have been so many days of nothing but tears. I bathed him yesterday and he was able to breathe room air without desatting. He is so cute and was just looking around. HE HATES THE CPAP but hopefully he will be on hi flow next week. I have nothing but wonderful news to share.

Andy and I feel so blessed for all the love and prayers that have come our way. It is the power of God that has really pulled him through everything.

Today is also my wonderful husbands BIRTHDAY! So to my husband....I LOVE YOU each and everyday just a little bit more. You are my world, my sunshine and my BABY DADDY!

Much love and prayers- Deanna