Wow, what a year can bring. Christmas is just around the corner and I am very much looking forward to the year ahead. I feel so incredibly blessed for the love and life of my son, my husband, my family and my friends. I really think that God has a way of always putting things into perspective and though the years I have continued to grow.

There is no question that everyday I miss my parents. I miss them for me but most of all I miss them for my son. Grandparents are wonderful and I wish my parents were here for him. I know they are in spirit though and I also believe it is their "wings" that got Carter and I though some really rough patches in the past two years. There is nothing more painful than having a doctor say that there is nothing else we can do but wait and then there is the waiting. Carter was in God's hands and nine hours later turned around. We joked it was the binky  but as the the doctor told us...he had never seen a baby ween off an epinephrine drip. We are truly blessed.

Sometimes I forget that I had a heart attack and surgery last January. I had a 70 percent blockage in my LAD. A doctor just yesterday called it the "widow maker". I had never heard that before and suddenly I was reminded of my mortality and how truly blessed and lucky I am. As Women we tend to put everyone before ourselves but it important to remember that you need to make your health a priority because without you, who would take care of them! I have every intention of scaring every girl that comes into my son's life:) Seriously, with his eyes I am in trouble!!!!!

So, as the weather outside is frightful and the fire is so delightful and since we have places to go...plow the snow, plow the snow, plow the snow:)

Have a blessed, healthy, happy and WONDERFUL Holiday and ditto for the New YEAR!!!!

To my sister in Iraq...come home safely. I love you! Thank you for laying under the Christmas tree with me for so many years and smuggling our jelly jar shots of Coca~cola. You started my addiction!

Until next time..LISTEN TO YOUR HEART

Deanna

Redskins prepare for second half!



With some of the amazing kids from "Recess on the River"!

 
 



 I have been asked, why do you do pageants? Is it for the crown? Well as much as I love a little bling, today was yet another great reminder as to the opportunities that the crown offers and the difference you can make. I feel so blessed and honored to volunteer my time with the American Heart Association. They offer so many great community programs and enhance the life of so many with education, events and even making dreams come true. One of the many great programs is "Recess by the River".

"Recess by the River" is a day full of fun and educational activities, Recess by the River empowers D.C.’s kids to lead stronger, healthier lives. Presented by CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Recess by the River is an annual event thrown by the American Heart Association with support from D.C. Parks and Recreation and National Association of Teen Fitness and Exercise. This kickoff event engaged over two hundred kids from Wards 5, 6, 7 and 8 in the District. Due to D.C. having one of the highest Child Obesity ratings, Recess by the River plays an integral part in giving kids a second chance at a long healthy life.

· In the District of Columbia, over 35% of children are overweight or obese—making it one of the highest levels of childhood obesity in the nation.

· Over 1,500 children in Washington DC’s Wards 5, 6, 7 and 8 have been empowered to live healthier lives through our Recess by the River program.

· Nearly one out of every three children and adolescents are overweight or obese, making childhood obesity one of our nation’s leading health threats

· Nearly 25 million overweight and obese children and teens run the risk of earlier onset of adult disease such as high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes


"Recess by the River"





With one of my favorite USO people!

 Today, selected members of the "Recess by the River" along with Carefirst and GlaxoSmithKline were presented an award at the WASHINGTON REDSKINS VS TAMPA BAY BUCCANNEERS game during the half time show.

I, along with Miss Teen International 2010, Juliana Mckee were honored to accept the award given by the Washington Redskins on behalf of the American Heart Association. (the USO was also awarded today for their incredible work they do for our military soldiers and their families. I felt VERY honored to share the field!)



 





With Scott Shepard, VP Sales an d Marketing, Washington Redskins and Juliana McKee, Miss Teen International 2010

A huge thank you to Glaxo Smith Kline for the wonderful buffet supplied to all of the children and Scott Shepherd, VP Sales and Marketing, Washington Redskins for helping to make this day possible.

One of the best moments of my day was when one of the amazing children came up to me and said, "I can't thank you enough for this day". This is what life is about....what a great day. Pouring rain and cold but what a great day!

Until next time...listen to your heart....D

This week has been one of a journey. Carter had a GJ tube placed for feeding. Due to being born at 23 weeks, we have gone through a lot of complications but I think it has made our family stronger. Carter has shown my husband and myself that we can make it through anything. We are beyond blessed to have Carter as our son and daily he inspires me. I have to admit, the most exciting part of my day is when he wakes up and smiles at me! Sometimes I just want to wake him up...which I know we should never wake a sleeping baby but his smile should be seen and shared daily! (this is a GUSHING Mother!)

I also, this week, was contacted by MORE Magazine. I had a great interview by such an accomplished writer, Tamara Jones. I look forward to when the piece comes out.

Can you believe Christmas is just a few weeks away!

Many blessings and never forget to LISTEN TO YOUR HEART!

D



WISHING EVERYONE A HEART HEALTHY,HAPPY AND BLESSED HOLIDAY SEASON!
THE LINZ FAMILY~ANDY,DEANNA,CARTER,HALO,JOSIE AND JACK