The Van Wynsberg, Images, Happenings, & Life Expressions.

NaBloPoMo Official Fail.

2009-11-09T17:39:00.000-08:00

I have officially failed at this NMPM thing.

But when you work full-time, have homework

PLUS a trillion other things it makes it nearly impossible to blog. :(

The fact that I even get any posts up at all is pretty remarkable. :)

SO..

...a BIG thumbs up to the people who blog while managing crazy lives like I do.

seriously.

{I couldn't decide which thumbs up to give you,

soo you get 3 thumbs up!}

{Blogging has become a disappointment}

BLAH!

Now off to do homework.

Elle Mackenzie

2009-11-07T20:29:00.000-08:00

Kevin and I were given the awesome privlege of taking pictures

of my good friend Jenn with her Hubby John and sweet little baby girl Elle.

Here is one of my favorites among many.

Thought I would give a sneak-peek before I post more.

{ still have some editing to do }

Which Edit do you like best?

.

2009-11-05T20:37:00.000-08:00

. . Sleep . . Homework done . . That's all I have . .

Except for this:

"Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers

in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity."

1 Timothy 4:12

{ this is my challenge & maybe yours }

26

2009-11-04T16:31:00.000-08:00

{ HAPPY BIRTHDAY KEVIN MY LOVE }

College Life

2009-11-03T17:24:00.000-08:00

Kevin and I {plus some good friends of ours} host and lead College Life in our home.

This particular Sunday we had them play the game "spoons" like musical chairs.

It was really fun to watch :)

There were 2 groups and who ever was the last standing

won free dinner at Osaka's - Yum!

{ down to the last 2 in group 1 }

{ he won! }

{ group 2's turn }

{ she won! }

{ College Life is a good time! }

{ Post # 3 / for NBPM }

25 years of...

2009-11-02T18:42:00.000-08:00

...well I want to answer that, but I am too exhausted from all the excitement today,

but I will answer that soon {25 years of...}.

{ 25 }

Born November 2 1984

Work was filled with excitment and good changes...

{lots to talk about pertaining to that}

In the evening Kevin and I went to Olive Garden

with our good friends Tim & Sara.

We had a great time devouring breadsticks and alfredo sauce. :)

Here are some pictures of my work desk that my husband

and sweet friend Liz decorated for me. :)

Kevin made the huge "I love U" sign.

{ here's me doing my "I'm sassy 25" poses...

don't ask, we were leaving for dinner, & of course

needed to get some shots of the night ;P }

{ 25 & it's many Blessings }

NaBloPoMo / Morris Orchard

2009-11-01T12:31:00.000-08:00

It has come to my attention that it is:

{ NATIONAL BLOG POSTING MONTH }

meaning; you must post at least 1 blog entry

for the next 30 days.

Can I do it?!?

Honestly, I don't know, BUT I am going to try!

Well here goes post #1!

_____

About 2 weeks ago, Kevin and I visited Morris Orchard with my good friend

Liz and her sister Ashleigh. We had fun picking apples and taking a lot of pictures.

I ended up buying 10 apples in order to make 2 apple crisps & that I did!

I took pictures of the WHOLE process when making 1 of the apple crisps (with intentions of making a neat video out of it) I will post that this month.

Good times at the Orchard! Here are the pics. :)

The first half of the pictures were taken with Kevin's iphone &

the 2nd half with our camera {you can probably tell a difference}

{ an apple for you }

{ kisses in the trees; romantic }

{ wait, here's an even better apple for you }

{ my good friend Liz aka Sports - love her }

{ no idea; ground? apples? hmm }

{ picking }

{ purdy girl }

{ um, dunks? }

{ now, pics with camera }

{ pretty fall Virginia }

{ love animals!! & getting to feed them nummies}

{ Kev got this shot, and found out that some old dude died in it, not sure on the whole story, but it seemed freaky }

{ I like the white pumpkins a lot, you? }

{ sisters }

{ it happened fast }

{ the delivery. we've named him "patch" }

{ happily ever after }

{ the end }

Video highlight of Race Day

2009-10-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

{ may have to pause/silent song at the bottom of blog }

Run For Their Lives

2009-10-24T16:18:00.000-07:00

{ Freedom 4/24 }

...why we ran.

Our church put on a race called: Run For Their Lives in order to support an incredible

cause called Freedom 4/24 {http://www.freedom424.org/}

Today Kevin, myself, and 8OO other people Ran for their lives.

We ran for women in Thailand

who are victims to sex slavery and prostitution.

__________

Kevin and I both ran the 10k {6.2 miles}

This was our first race!

Kevin came in at about 50mins

I came in at about an 1hr/10min.

My goal was to not walk. Goal achieved!

At around the 4th mile I experienced some big time cramps,

they covered my whole stomach,

but I was determined to not stop.

Thankfully, by keeping a steady pace the cramps eventually eased up.

I was running for Tidarat & Catchada. {written on my arms}

These are just 2 women out of many who need our prayers and support.

I'm so thankful I got to run with my friend Chrystal. We encouraged each other a lot.

I think the most moving part of the race was when Chrystal and I started

praying out loud for the girls written on our arms.

We also prayed for the team that will be going to Thailand this winter.

It was amazing to know we were fighting

for the lives of many whom we've never seen,

and whom have never know what it's like to live a life apart from slavery.

___

Kevin took all the pictures today {other than the ones of himself}

{ wake up Sweety! We've got to go run!! 6am }

{ practicing }

{ ready to do this! bring it! }

{ we've arrived }

{ the people gathering }

{ good friends Chrystal & Steve - they rocked the race! }

{ geared up with our tattoos }

{ names of those we were running for }

{ pinning on pride }

{ game time }

{ "Though I am free and belong to no man,

I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible." 1Cor.9:19 }

{ I love him }

{ the masses }

{ Justin capturing the moments }

{ freedom isn't free }

Can't wait to run again.

Praying lives were changed every step we ran.

______

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

1Cor.9:24-27

Kaison - little joy.

2009-10-20T15:58:00.000-07:00

{ here are just some of Kaison's photos }

{ this one CRACKS me up! Kevin got this shot of Kai and his sister Burkelle-

a moment of truth }

{ bubbles }

{ chalk }

{ this one cracks me up too, his facial expressions are priceless }

{ Kaison loves his red ball }

{ Kai and momma }

{ Kai and daddy }

{ plum }

{ the cutest little laugh }

{ love this shot Kevin got of Kai holding the pepper }

{ it was a pleasure capturing these precious moments of Kaison }

Blessings on us. for others.

2009-10-19T18:46:00.000-07:00

OK so all of a sudden Kevin and I have been blessed with 6 different oppurtunities to take family/kids photos for people. So far we've accomplished 1 and have 5 to go.

This is a great hobbie/side job for us. We love it together and who knows where it could go. For now we enjoy blessing friends and family with the little talent we have.

I'm thinking of a Photography logo, but I don't have a program to make an awesome one, so this will do for now.

After were done with the 6 we would like to start a separate photography website and see where it goes. I say WE and mean it! Kevin is ALL in.

Who knows!! Either way, I'm happy to capture the moments as they come.

Here's a picture of Kaison with our logo. What do you think? I'm going for simple, yet edge. Not sure/I'm sure you can tell by my blog that I like birds, but I don't want to overdue it. ;0)

I have a TON of pics of Kai that I can't wait to post {no time}.

I'm also putting together a special video of them for my friend; can't wait to share!

Morris Orchard. Videos.

2009-10-18T18:19:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday my good friend Liz, her sister Ashleigh,

Kevin and I all hit up the Orchard near by. It was the perfect Fall day.

We picked Apples, drank cider, ate fresh baked donuts, and took a ton of fun pictures.

Here are the video's Kevin captured. I'll post pictures when I have more time

{hopefully soon}

Oh this all happened yesterday, and I've already

made TWO homemade Apple Crisp's.

This is a record.

{Pure joy}

Random shots/mitten eyes

2009-10-09T19:12:00.000-07:00

My love and I - before going in to get my hair dyed and cut.

I had waited months before getting my hair done because I wanted

to get it done while in MI - I kind of hate Virginia Salons.

Also got to go shoping/ something that is a lot more exciting

in MI and on vacation ;)

him her

done!

Shopping!

Friends

2009-10-03T13:40:00.000-07:00

Kevin and I put on a hanging out, grilling out playing party at his dads house

one of the last days we were in Michigan.

It was so fun to get to hang with all our good friends from the Mitten.

I miss them dearly, so anytime we get with them is gold.

Here are a bunch of different pictures of the evening.

Kevin Grilling

Misty Brian and Kevin cooking

Brian and Kevin having some fun

guys playing foosball

no idea

Me with baby Isadora Lee

{love her name}

she is so precious!

Playing cards

{we all played poker and Kevin won}

Isadora Lee

She thinking, "really? your really going keep taking my picture, didn't you just see me crying"

James are you pregnant?

Friends - good times.

Granny - Mitten pt- 1 million

2009-09-28T18:50:00.000-07:00

While we were in Michigan

Kevin and I got to spend a day with Granny and Chris {my mother-in-law}.

We hung out at grandmas then went out to Rochester and enjoyed some

D-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s Bravo. We then did some shopping around.

Granny is so cute. She is 90 years old and is just plain amazing!

She had heart surgery this year, and is back to waking up at

4a.m. and walking every single stairway her complex.

Mind you the place is HUGE!

She is one of the oldest to be living without assistant care in the place.

She is truly an incredible woman.

I can only hope to one day be as spunky, witty, and strong as her. :)

She is also very feisty! You will see in the pictures her RUNNING!

She got mad at me for taking her picture, and starting running from me! It was hilarious, and shocking at the same time.

Here she is this 90 year old women giving me attitude and then running away! ;0)

Here are some pictures from the day.

Kevin trying to tell Granny what to do {hence "trying"} :)

Her shoes where SO cute!

Here's where she started to get impatient with me. :)

and THEN started running away!! LOL

He is a grandma's boy

Throwin it down with grandma

Kevin with his grandma and mom

Mitten Day 5 pt2

2009-09-15T19:03:00.000-07:00

{this park is now known as the Duck Park - I'm sure you can tell why}

Later on {Day 5} Kev and I hung out with my family.

We ate dinner at Sagebrush with my uncle Bruce & then went and played

at the park.

See this little guy? His hair was so funny!

Kevin took all these neat landscape pictures

{1st 2 edited}

Swinging is fun & nostalgic.

The floodgates of childhood memories return within one shove.

It truly blesses my heart as to how much Kevin loves my siblings.

Madison - pretty princess {sister}

You need to know...

You are my angel.

Always center of my prayers.

God gave you the sweetest little voice.

God has given you a loving golden heart.

& He is your Father, and will always be.

Never leaving nor forsaking.

.I Love you.

Daniel - Baby-Dan's {brother}

You need to know...

God gave you eyes that engulf the bright blue skies

God gave you wisdom to fight the tides

God gave you a laugh that draws/spreads to many

God gave you an artistic talent to share with the world

God gave you to me, little brother;

that I may know and understand Him better.

.I love you.

faux-hawk brothers

Tyler - Butters {brother}

You need know...

I am so thankful to have you in my life.

God made you one of a kind,

none like you, no not one.

God has given you purpose that only

you can accomplish.

God made you a hugger and I love that about you.

I cherish your smile.

Gods love shines through you - let that always be.

God has given you a heart that is sensitive to others needs.

Selfless sacrifice. Jesus died for you and me.

You were my baby growing up,

mom even let me name you.

You are closer than a brother,

I am proud to also call you friend.

Brother know I love you,

but more importantly know that

God your Father loves you more than

anyone in this world can.

.I love you.

.Family.

.the {4} brother, sister, sister, brother.

Alexi Murdoch

sums up my feelings for my siblings well in his song:

Orange Sky

Well I had a dream
I stood beneath an orange sky
Yes I had a dream
I stood beneath an orange sky
With my brother standing by

I said Brother, you know you know
It’s a long road we’ve been walking on
Brother you know it is you know it is
Such a long road we’ve been walking on

And I had a dream
I stood beneath an orange sky
With my sister standing by

I said Sister, here is what I know now
Here is what I know now
Goes like this..
In your love, my salvation lies

But sister you know I’m so weary
And you know sister
My hearts been broken
Sometimes, sometimes
My mind is too strong to carry on

When I am alone
When I’ve thrown off the weight of this crazy stone
When I've lost all care for the things I own
That's when I miss you,

You who are my home
And here is what I know now
Here is what I know now
Goes like this..

In your love, my salvation lies

Well I had a dream
I stood beneath an orange sky
Yes I had a dream
I stood beneath an orange sky
With my brother and my sister standing by

Mitten Day 5 pt1 - Warnke kids = {Adorable!}

2009-09-13T17:31:00.000-07:00

{all kids .love. Kevin - it's not fair}

On Wednesday Kevin and I chilled out at the Oxford Starbucks

and did our homework for the week.

Love that place. Miss it already.

Then afterwards we spent some of the day at our good friends Joel and Holly's.

They have two of the cutest little boys. Gabriel is 3{I think} & Levi is 1.

Gabe loved the camera and kept showing us his sweet dance moves.

Levi was a little shy, but really seemed to warm up to Kevin. :)

The 2nd half of the day we hung out with my mom and siblings,

but I will leave those pictures for the next post.

Levi Cole

Gabriel James

Relaxin watching some Hot Rod

Levi sipin the bottle

Gabriel & Levi are too cute - it was fun hanging with them :)

Mitten / Canada Trip - Day 3

2009-09-12T00:11:00.000-07:00

Kevin & I spent Day 3 of our Michigan trip in Sarnia Canada hanging out with Michael and Helen.

We hung out at the Blue Water Bridge for a little bit.

It was kind of strange though, because one side is Canada and it looks over into Michigan and many Canadians just hang out at the Blue Water Bridge {which isn't that interesting already} and stare over to the US side, but there wasn't really anyone staring from the US side into Canada. hmm...weird. ;0)

We also experienced some delicious pizza dining in Canada.

The place was called, "Chicago Pizza" - Ha, figures! It was really good though!

Later on after dinner we went over to Helen's and topped the night off

with eating banana pudding ice cream &

watched some of the new Flight of the Concords episodes.

It was good to see and hang with Helen and Michael for a full day. :)

Here are a few pictures that captured some of the day we had in Canada

Helen - Me - Michael aka Shnikes

I don't know...were all a little strange in these pictures
{well more like Michael is}

Peace between Canada and America

Shnikes entertaining Helen

Spider monkey

Doing dangerous things ;0)

Hangin out

the End of Day 2 in the Mitten

2009-09-09T23:38:00.000-07:00

Here's the last of Day 2 pictures -

Madison {my sweet baby sister} and I had fun on the swings together.

She is so cute, she always calls me a "pretty princess"

She is always full of the sweetest compliments and she's only 5!

I don't remember being so nice and thoughtful at that age. :)

.Madison Marie - Queen Beauty.

.Sisters.

{though this is a blurry picture of Madison,I still really love it}

**Please take notice of Maddies cute bangs - yes she did cut them herself;

already taking after her big sis ::grin::

Madison's art

Random picture of Kevin and my mom :)

{Some of} Day 2 in the Mitten

2009-09-09T08:52:00.000-07:00

{some of} Day 2

On Sunday the 6th Kev and I hung out at my moms house. We helped her clean out her garage and then went to the evening church service at Faith Baptist in Waterford. The church service was really good and challenging to hear. I wish I would have taken notes, but I didn't and am now trying to jog my memory on what the pastor spoke about. Whatever it was it was great. Wait I am kind of remembering - he said something to the effect of: When you think God isn't there, that's not the case, it's just that you have given your heart to other things and not wholly to God.

The sermon was basically challenging you to give it ALL to God, all your heart and not to other things of this world. Darn it I wish I could remember more. Oh well.

After church my mom had a bonfire and invited all her friends over. She has been anxiously waiting for me to meet all her new friends, so I think she was happy that I finally got to. :)

Here are some pictures from the day - I have more, but I'm at Starbucks right now and I don't have all the pictures loaded on my computer.

Kevin and Madison being goofs :)

Me and Madison being goofs {we do that well together}

Playing Outside

Michigan - Day1

2009-09-07T20:51:00.000-07:00

Our frist day in Michigan Kevin and I hung out at dad's house {father-in-law}.

We hung out with his dad and Michael aka Shnikes {kev's brother} the whole day.

We slept in that morning, relaxed, went to Tim Horton's, ate some Grinders,

played some badminton, and went on the boat around sunset.

It made for a wonderful relaxing first day in the Mitten. ;0)

{I figure I'm on vacation, so why not blog while I have time to waste and able to stay up late!}

Here are some pictures from the day:

Ron {pops}

He had some crazy moves :)

Shnikes

God's word is truth & nothing else matters

2009-09-02T19:48:00.000-07:00

Ask yourself this question & give an honest answer:

What are one or two scripture verses that have helped you face issues in your own life?

Many scripture verses have helped me face issues in life, but the two that stand out the most are Isaiah 43:1-4 and Deuteronomy 31:6.

Isaiah 43:1-4

But now, this is what the LORD says- he who formed you, O jacob, he who formed you or Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD your God the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you. NIV

This scripture passage (Is.43:1-4) has given me countless strength, hope and endurance to face challenges in my life. It has been a strong reminder to me that God has redeemed me no matter what my circumstances are. This passage has taught me that God is honest and life isn't always going to be easy. The scripture here says, "when" you pass through rivers, not "if" you pass through rivers, it gives me a sense that God knows that I'm going to face difficult obstacles in life, but at the same time He will not let them consume me. I am also very encouraged that God says, "I love you" in this passage. This speaks volumes to me, because there isn't any "fluff" around it, but instead God say's it like it is; "I love you", sometimes this is all I need to hear in order to be OK with life.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. KJV

This passage (Deut. 31:6) holds dear to my heart daily. I have experienced a lot of loss in my life and it has not made for an easy road. I have to battle the fear of people leaving me or wondering when will I lose someone again. This passage reminds me that God will NEVER leave me, He will NEVER forsake me even if everyone around me does. This scripture helps me to put my trust in Him and not in people. People are always going to come and go, but the LORD will not, He will be there always. I am so thankful for this reminder; I would be lost without it. God is faithful to keep to his word, so when I feel alone or abandoned I know I can rely on this truth that God will never leave me nor forsake me.

What scripture{s} speak to you? I am interested, do tell please.

Kaison

2009-09-01T10:06:00.000-07:00

So I'm trying to venture more into the Photography world. My friend Stacey asked me to take some pictures of her little boy Kaison. He is adorable! Kevin and I both had fun snapping some pictures of him running around playing outside.

So far I have edited a few of the pictures. Stacey really wanted me to capture him doing this cute laugh thing that he does. Here is a picture of him laughing. I just love it so much I thought I would share.

Joy.

art + love = awesome.

2009-08-22T20:41:00.000-07:00

I had been wanting art on our main living room wall for some time now. I have been holding out putting anything up until I either got some nice wedding pictures or until I found the perfect pieces to go there. I am picky about what goes up on my walls.

Well to my surprise: I was gone for a weekend retreat, and came home to some art Kevin had made for me while I was gone. It was SO sweet of him and it blew me away. As soon as I walked in the house I saw all 4 pictures hanging their & it melted my heart. He spray painted the outline of different types of leaves on white paper, and one of them he spray painted the leaves and hung the leaves on the paper which made for a really neat black & white contrast. My favorite was the black & white picture with the actual leaves on it, so it made for some fun art together! We gathered more leaves & grass and came up with 2 more pictures.

It was really cool to see Kevin's creative side come out. He really is a very creative person. Often he will come up with something that leaves me shocked and humbled. I often find myself thinking, GOSH why didn't I think of that- that is so cool! :) I love getting to see different glimpse's of his love for art/creativity. It is truly a passion of mine, so it makes it all the more better to be able to experience, and express it with him. :)

Thank you honey for inspiring me!!

Here is the video of it all that I made for Kevin

You may think it's cheesy, but I'm ok with that. ;0)

Groomsmen

2009-08-11T15:39:00.000-07:00

Aaron and his groomsmen - {Florida part 5}

Aaron & Kevin

Bryan & Kev

Mike Ma

Aaron being the cool guy that he is ;0)

Brothers

Twins

boys

Groomsmen