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!)

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.