What a journey and learning experience. Again, I want to stress that I love the International system so much and excited for the new winner. I told Arma she would win photogenic prior to her winning. Where is that winning lottery ticket?:) I saw her in the GYM and facially she is everything I wish I was....STUNNING. I have always been labeled exotic or different, odd description for a blonde haired, blue eyed gal don't you think:) So I don't fit the typical mold, but I am ok with that. Molds are made to be broken. I will continue to have Carrie from "Sex in the City" as my inspiration. I am just about ten pounds and a huge flower on my shoulder away from making that happen!:) Oh and Jimmy Choo's...so really a long way away atleast from the shoes.

In my life I tend to self destruct. People believe in me...finally.... and my worry in letting them down makes me MELT DOWN. About a week before nationals, right on que, the meltdown began. Some knew about it and yes, I let a lot get into my head. Then, I TOLD PEOPLE ABOUT IT, IMPORTANT PEOPLE...stupid.....CHECK THIS BOX HERE! (box inserted)It reminded me of when I worked at Froggy 102.3 in SC and worked as as a host on a different network. Again, I couldn't believe they choose me so I decided to SELF DESTRUCT and leave. The story read so much like what not to do that my college professor actually had me come back and speak to her communications class TWICE as a reminder to NOT BE THIS STUPID. When will I learn?

Life is full of so many leasons. I do believe that God has a path for all of us and I hope that my path is through my son and that he gets to live his dreams. Funny how priorities change huh:). Ok, so I will make him wear the occassional crown shirt but Ed Hardy is in style!

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)

Myself and Our New Mrs International 2009!!!!!
Myself and Heidi Scheer

Good morning from Chicago~

After some sleep and cuddletime with Carter (my favorite time of the day), I thought I would do a quick update.

Last night was wonderful. I just felt happy, excited and again hopeful! It started with the opening number which is "fun". It just makes me happy. I have actually downloaded "strut" to my iphone:)I made it through the dance and I got my name right, yeah....oh and I didn't fall....thank goodness!


Next fitness...I felt good and was proud to have lost the 30 pounds I gained since having Carter in January. Yes, some may have been taller, thinner and more tone but I was me and thrilled to have just been able to wear the two piece!

Next evening gown...LOVED SO MANY OF THE GOWNS! I can always spot a "Joey" gown. There were many standouts to me and far to many to mention. There were atleast 46! When I walked across the stage, after being greeted by my wonderful husband, I was able to look out and see Lois Lane, Benjamin and Carter...all was good and no matter the outcome, I was thrilled to just be on the stage.

Eddie the California Director has given a few very motivational speeches. (love him) I agree with so much of what he has said. To me, I have learned that life is a journey and it is what you make of it. I have had many struggles in my life. I have lost both parents, my son spent 165 days in the NICU, Andy's deployment, Lois breast cancer and you know what, I AM NOT SPECIAL or UNIQUE. So many people go through so much everyday. As I look around, I have NO RIGHT to feel sorry for myself for anything. I had a choice to lay down in life or stand up and fight back. We do pageants to help ourselves and we hope others to get out of our world and make a difference. Each of the 46 contestants has set a journey for themselves that has includes giving back. Each cause so worthy and each heart behind it so passionate.

Of course I would love to be the next Mrs International, we all would. However, wearing the crown does not make me the winner. My husband, my son, my family and my God...makes me the winner. Because I am here, surrounded by love, family, friends and faith...I am the queen. The queen of hearts!

Wish me luck tonight and Good luck to all of the ladies tonight. God has already determined our destiny so today/tonight, lets just SHINE:)!

Today was a great day and very busy. It started with our interviews. The judging panel was comprised of amazing individuals. Judges are Joanne Beauvior Brown, Ann Marie Pelkofer, Diana Schutz, Jack M Brown Jr and Denise Crowley Whitfield. They were warm, friendly, knowledgeable and a stunning group. I was humbled, honored and I have to admit somewhat intimidated at the calibur of the panel.

Next we had rehearsals followed by a meet and greet and dinner. It has truly been such a wonderful week and first class all the way.

Thank you to Joey, Clay and Terry for my AMAZING wardrobe (ok Amazing is my favorite word this week:)

Daddy and Carter are sleeping and I had to share the very reason why I am here...the loves of my life and to me I am already a winner with a king and a prince:)

Tomorrow...rehearsal and prelims....

Off to join my wonderful husband and son....my blessings and heros

I am very excited for today...and nervous...interview time! There is a great panel of judges. They are accomplished and impressive, which is what I have come to expect from the International system. I can only imagine how difficult their job will be as in the end there can only be one Mrs International. I pray I do well! God has chosen my path and I am here to learn, grow and serve. I know that no matter what, I am going home with my beautiful son and wonderful husband. Because Carter is with us, to me I am already a winner on so many levels. I am so blessed for the love in my life.

A little about yesterday....it was a wonderful and BUSY day. The tour of downtown Chicago was wonderful. I was able to get to know several of the ladies better and I already feel like I have known a few of them for years! Lindsey Gregg, Mrs Ohio is a doll. She just has suc a warm and sincere presence, not to mention legs for days! I was teasing her that her interview group looks like the Rockettes at Mrs International. Melissa Zwelling, Mrs Southern States is also a doll.

The production is AMAZING....ok one more time...AMAZING! Matt Davenport Productions is once again the producer and the level of talent, professionalism and just plan class is ...one more time AMAZING! I will never forget coming to Mrs International in 2001 and just thinking to myself, I hope to be there some day. The production reminded me so much of my MAO days.

Ok, off to work out, cuddle with Carter and prayer.

WISH ME LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today started out with some Mommy time at 4am, gym time at 5am and now off to Chicago. I am sitting next to the very pretty Mrs Arkansas. The skyline looks amazing although it is a little hazy. It was raining earlier so I am glad it stopped. More to follow!

Tonight was orientation. It was wonderful to meet all of the incredible ladies. Laine looked beautiful, of course. The evening was filled with wonderful stories, information and awareness. We had a presentation from a representative of Go Red and each of us ladies had an opportunity to tell a little funny story about ourselves. The one that stood out to me was the barbie doll story. (One of Clay and Laine) This will get lost in translation but it was very funny.

Everyone was more beautiful than their photos! Mary looked stunning and I will always equate her to Susan Lucci...but I think she is more beautiful!

One of the photos above is of the "Deanna's" :))))

Tomorrow is Chicago, rehearsal and makeup seminar.

You have to love the gym during a pageant week! I went for a long walk with Lois Lane and then off to the gym. I finally met Randa Allen, Mrs Midwest and she looked great. I also was able to speak with Diane Lebson, Mrs DC whom I love. She is a great lady and judged the Miss/Teen DC pageant a few months ago that I emceed. There were two other ladies both stunning also. The excitement has begun. As I said to my husband, I am not sure the gym at the hotel ever sees this kind of action!

Thank you Autumn for my edible arrangement and Laura for my wonderful autograph cards!

Thank you to Aunt Amy for Carters swing! He LOVES it! I want to swing with him!

Good morning~

Sun is up in Chicago and the day begins with a lot of excitement. Excitement because I am here with my family...excited, hopeful, energized. The trip was a good one that took us through just a few states:) but also allowed for time to visit with Andy's family in Northern PA and Wisconsin. Andy was also able to catch a baseball game in Wisconsin between Milwaukee and the LA Dodgers. His goal is to see a baseball game in every stadium in the US.

Carter is nestled in his bassinet next to me surrounded by a swing, bouncy and a lot of love.

We arrived yesterday. I was able to meet Mrs PA and she is a doll. I saw her compete in 2007 and she has a beautiful presence. Very warm. I love her Directors, the Cessna's. They greeted us with smiles also. This is one of the MANY reasons I love the International family!

When we checked in the hotel staff was wonderful and helpful. They said that after last year they had to buy new luggage carts because apparently we bring a lot with us and broke a few....whoops! :))))

Orientation is tonight at 6pm cst. I look forward to meeting everyone. We were told that about 14 arrived yesterday and the rest will today.

Off to work out and spend the day with my family and friends. Thank you Amy Gregorio for helping our hotel room to be a home away from home for Carter. Love you girl! Thank you SKINN Cosmetics for getting us here this week, literally:)))

Love to all and many blessings~

The Linz family (aka~ Mr, Mrs and little Mr Alabama International 2009!)