HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!!

LOVE THE LINZ FAMILY!!!!!

ANDY,DEANNA,HALO & JOSIE

My homestate!
of course I had to add this one!
Andy's homestate...Pennsylvania!

Trees surround the tree!
Yesterday Andy and I visited the National Christmas Tree and the pathway of peace. (56 smaller trees representing the state, territories and the District of Columbia)The National Christmas Tree is a 42 foot blue spruce which has been a permanent tree since it was planted in 1973. The tree is lit at sunset and is a beautiful sight to see. I love the holiday and the lights that make the season so festive. They always make me smile. So much so that Andy and I even have a small tree in our bedroom. Our new night light! I wonder if he will let me keep it up all year long? Hum...sounds like the making of a country music song!

Yesterday Andy and I had the opportunity to volunteer with OPERATION CHRISTMAS TREE through the Armed Forces Foundation. The turnout was amazing. Last year 75 trees where sent out, this year over 5000!!!!!! Lindsey Brothers and the staff of AFF did an incredible job. There will definately be some very happy soldiers when they open up the boxes. Due to sponsorship, they were also able to include calling cards in some of the boxes. Nothing is better than a call home. I know, I have been on the receiving end!!!!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Andy and I had a wonderful day. Today we went to Walter Reed Medical Center in DC where we had the chance to visit soldiers, families and even Senator Bob Dole was in attendance.

Many thanks and blessings to all who served and are serving, families and friends. You are our true HEROS!!!

Tonight we attended the Mrs PG County US Pageant. There were MANY visiting queens!!!! Nakku Senkeeto was crowned with Narcella Wilson as 1st runner up and Tracey Jamison as 2nd runner up.

A 1000 Flag Salute to our Vietnam Veterans. The American Legion Auxiliary's 2007, DC at The Wall Healing Field. This display pays tribute to all veterans and to allow healing for those who served in Vietnam and the current war in Iraq and Afghanistan.







With Jack Tilley, Former Sergeant Major of the Army and Co-Chairman of the event.



On this Veterans Day, THANK YOU TO ALL WHO SERVED AND ARE SERVING IN OUR MILITARY COMMUNITY.

Yesterday Andy & I attended the American Freedom Festival.

The American Freedom Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)3 public benefit corporation organized to honor veterans of America's armed forces and raise money and awareness for various veterans' organizations with special emphasis directed to welfare and educational issues facing those wounded in action, those disabled and families and children of veterans killed in action during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

American Freedom Festival is a concert event that features country music performers, actors, athletes, dignitaries and other supporters, joining together to help support and fulfill the mission of the American Freedom Foundation, Inc.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!

Future International Queen! Jordyn!

Sometimes there are just pictures worth posting

It is funny that no matter how many times you visit a monument or even walk by a picture, that inevitably one day something looks or reads differently. Today at the Lincoln memorial I stopped and read the Gettsburg address. Yes, we all have read or learned about it in school but for the first time today I really got it.

It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us. . .that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion. . . that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain. . . that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom. . . and that government of the people. . .by the people. . .for the people. . . shall not perish from the earth.

In light of the war and the elections pending, I was reminded that this great country is run by a government of the people and for the people. I can only hope that this phrase is one that holds true and reminded to all of the politicians running or serving in office. I spoke with a friend of mine yesterday who is still in Germany. Her husband deploys again soon and others that came back with us last year already have. My heart and prayers are with them. They are heroes but most of all Mothers, Fathers, Son's and Daughters....I pray that the humantarian side is never forgotten as to the true sacrifices that are made daily...by the people and for the people.