Nevus Camp and Conference

Back in October 2010 I posted about the Nevus Camp and Conference. A camp and conference for families and children who have a Nevus, or are touched by someone with a Nevus. In our case it is our gorgeous, cheeky 5 year old son.

Well it is that time again when we start to fund raise to make this even happen, especially for the children. It is a brilliant camp and the children have so much fun together. They get to talk birthmarks and everything that goes with it.
The parents get to laugh and cry with each other about their journey. We ask each other questions, compare notes and talk about life in general.

Here is a pic of a few of us trying to get all the kids in one pic. Such happy, beautiful children.


I really cannot express what a wonderful event this is. As a parent it is so wonderful knowing other parents, chatting to them and just makes this aspect of my life that bit less lonely. Other parents who understand the tears, frustration, countless hospital visits, the beautiful person that is our child, a child who is so much more than a birth mark and dots all over their body.

All the parents and members of Nevus Australia are raising money in their own ways to make this next camp happen.
It is being organised for Melbourne, from October 4th until the 7th.
As I learn about what is happening in each state I will post here so people can spread the word and help us raise enough money.

So if you are able to please donate, even a few dollars, it truly all adds up! Visit the Nevus Australia website to donate and learn more.


Here is a pic of our gorgeous boy with his grown up Nevus buddy who he met for the first time at the last camp. It was so wonderful to meet Andrew and his wife, and hear him talk about his life and journey into adulthood with Nevus and everything that comes with it. Andrew is an inspiration and I am so glad us and so many families met him.

I would also like to add a big thank you to all the people who donated for the last camp. It happened because of you! We appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts.

Here's to the 2012 Nevus Camp and Conference!

Sweet, Hand Made gifts for my Squishy

These two gorgeous felt creatures were made by the mother of one of the big boys friends. She makes all animals and creatures and they are just divine.
So far they have been a huge hit with Miss 3 and Miss 2. They love playing with them in the dollhouse. Mrs Mouse and Mrs Rabbit can talk, didn't you know!
I love them, and am hoping she can teach me one day, when I have spare time, ha!




These crochet Mary Janes. Oh my! They are just adorable. A dear friend of ours, Indi, hand made them lovingly. I look at them and think how cute they are on her little feet. Then I can't help but know she will grow out of them. Damn babies!

I do so love hand made gifts. I am amazed, inspired, in awe and a tad jealous too with such gorgeous hand made gifts. I would so love to be able to create beautiful things for others.
One day. Did you just squeal April? Yes, one day we will sit together and I will actually get beyond two rows of a beanie :)

Nup, cannot get any cuter.............

A few extras, encore from the people.

So there have been some questions around the changes our family are taking on this year. More specifically that the older children are heading into, dun dun da!!!!!! School!

As I have said since we begun, nothing is set in stone. We take life at is comes and adjust, change, and go with what is best at the time.

No, I don't believe for a second there is a 'best way' when it comes to school or learning. The are pros and cons for any path we choose. I know parents with children in school who believe school is the ONLY way for children, all children. I know parents of homeschoolers who believe the same about homeschool.
I believe these are extremes and personally disagree. There is no one size fits all when it comes to children. They are all different. They all learn differently, process information differently, play differently. You get the picture.

Yes, I am sad. But I am also excited. I am also proud of my children who have chatted with us about their lives, what they want at the moment, and how they see their future. We wanted our children to grow and always speak up for themselves, think outside the box, and strive to be who they want to be and to head towards where they want to go. This character building can also be frustrating, but as parents we have to remind ourselves what we see as good qualities in our children that they will carry through and build on into adulthood.

I have no idea what this year holds for us. At the moment we are only looking at term 1 and seeing how it unfolds.
Nothing is locked in.

Yes, it has been hard. I loved the thought of the children all being homeschooled into their teenage years and us continuing to go put and exploring while others were 'stuck in school. I would day dream about when they would go to University, get an apprenticeship, or a job, travel, follow their dreams.
But this is not about what I want. I still imagine my daydreams happening, but on the path each child wants to take. Not what I want them, or hope for them to take.

Honestly, learning and growing up never ends. It still sucks at times. We are always building character, whether we like it or not.

If we can get through schooling, no matter where or how, and the children are happy with their path, then I know we have done good.
Fingers crossed hey!