Unlimited flour, sugar, sprinkles and fun.

Confession:

I am not normally that fun mom that loves messes or craziness in the kitchen.
I don't like PlayDoh.  Not a huge fan of finger paints.  Don't even get me started on the evil that is Moon Sand.

Baking alone while everyone sleeps is one of my favorite things.  Just my boyfriend, Dave Matthews and I.

But once in a while you need to let that all go.
You need to let your kids go through all of your flour.  All of your sugar.  All of your eggs.  Nearly all of your sprinkles.  Three batches of frosting.

Because that is what happy childhood memories are made of.






I am so thankful for Drew B.

She has talked me off of the "BOYS ARE SCARY" ledge one million times and it has been so fun being pregnant at the same time. I love that she is having a girl, because I love being the mama of girls.  I love that she knew that we needed a special girly day before little boy madness enters our pink and sparkly home.  I love that my little boy will be wearing her sweet boy's clothes.

She is the fun mom that makes messes with her son and sees the beauty in it.
Now I get it.
I so get it.


Thank you Drew for this day.  My girls won't stop talking about it.  I'm still finding sprinkles in crazy places and each time I do it makes me smile.

Visit Drew's blog to see the rest of the happy shoot.
Be sure to watch the slideshow because it is just happiness.
Janey- trying to sweep up the explosion of sprinkles?  It just doesn't get better.


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70 Comments

  1. Heather @ Life Made LovelyJuly 21, 2011 at 10:22 AM

    oh julie! i saw these last night and they are fantastic! what a gift to have before your little man arrives.

    p.s. drew's right. little boys are a sweet and snugly treasure all their own. stinky fart jokes and all. ;)

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  2. LauraCJuly 21, 2011 at 10:27 AM

    Lovely lovely photos!

    And also echoing that Drew is right. I thought having twin boys would be loco (and some days it is very loco) but oh my goodness do they LUUUUVE me. Yes I've had to develop an iron stomach but the craziness is full of joy!

    PS. Both my boys are climbers and jumpers so I finally let them go crazy jumping off the couch with superhero capes while I took photos. This photo went kind of crazy on flickr Tuesday:

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/99098514@N00/5953079578/

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  3. KimberlyJuly 21, 2011 at 10:39 AM

    I just loved this post! The slide show made me laugh & I could just feel the fun & giggles :) I raised two sons (now 31 & 29) & I can testify to the fact that boys love, love, love their mommas, even when they're grown (with wives & babies of their own) their voices on the other end of the line "Mom" ... makes my heart pitter patter. Between the two of them I now have 3 'grandgirls' who have stolen their Nana's heart(mine!)and who I refer to as my reward for raising sons! Your son will be quite the prince in your palace with three older sisters ... it will be good to be him (of this I am certain :) Your family is beautiful. Congratulations!

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  4. Jen~ Lipstick and LaundryJuly 21, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    So SUPER fun! Love the slideshow...

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  5. Jen~ Lipstick and LaundryJuly 21, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    So SUPER fun! Love the slideshow...

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  6. AmyJuly 21, 2011 at 10:44 AM

    LOVE the pigtails on Janey and the flour feet on the counter. Too cute! You are a good momma. And someday soon you're gonna wonder how you ever got by without a little boy around.

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  7. Kimberlee JostJuly 21, 2011 at 10:46 AM

    I am relieved to read that I am not alone in my love of baking alone...I don't like messes or play dough either. Thank you very much.

    What I did love were these pictures. Not only are your girls beautiful, but I envying your SoCal tan. You're one lovely mama.

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  8. SarahJuly 21, 2011 at 10:53 AM

    So so fantastic!

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  9. Katie @ minivan divaJuly 21, 2011 at 10:55 AM

    Such awesome pics. Don't worry, I have 3 boys and I'm surviving. You'll do just fine!! : )

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  10. michaela @ m.janeJuly 21, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    drew and you make a great team!! just wished i lived a bit closer (nebraska is way far away in the flat land of cornfields).

    when i was preggo with mr.cash, i too swore i was having a little girl. i was made to be a mother of girls. at the ultrasound when they told us we were having a little boy, i was crushed. what kind of mother was i going to be to a boy who i though was a girl for half the pregnancy? i didn't even have that intuition the experts speak of. maybe it was the pregnancy hormones...maybe i really didn't know how to handle boys. after 2 years with a little man in the house, i can tell you that there is nothing sweeter than a "mommy's boy". i will cherish these days when he choses me over his daddy, because i know soon i will not be able to compete with his dad's dirty/hunting/manly lifestyle.

    wishing you the best of luck on your arrival of a truck loving/dirty/fart noise/sweet little boy.

    michaela
    www.mjanegarrett.blogspot.com

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  11. Krulls in HaitiJuly 21, 2011 at 11:11 AM

    These are some of the sweetest pictures I have ever seen. What a beautiful mess. You are going to fall head over heals with that boy of yours. My boy is so special to me.

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  12. Carrie RoweJuly 21, 2011 at 11:17 AM

    This is FANTASTIC!!!

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  13. AmyJuly 21, 2011 at 11:23 AM

    so So SO adorable! Love it! And, boys are so much fun. It'll come natural... after you get used to there being something else in that diaper :)

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  14. MDflamingJuly 21, 2011 at 11:24 AM

    Hi Julie - I LOVE your blog! I've never posted before...sort of a creeper I guess...but this post makes me so happy! Although I only have one little girl, I'm due in October and it's a BOY!...I totally get the "talk me off the ledge" comment. I can't wait to see you love on your little man! You are an AMAZING mama and an inspiration to so many...me included! Blessings!

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  15. Katy @ Live Laugh Love CraftJuly 21, 2011 at 11:26 AM

    I love what one of the above commenter said.. "What a beautiful mess". Such a perfect way to describe your photo shoot. :)

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  16. UnknownJuly 21, 2011 at 11:29 AM

    being a new mom to a little boy i always think i could NEVER handle a girl. then i come to your blog & i'm sooo jealous! can't wait to see how a boy shakes up your life :)

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  17. Ginelle FloresJuly 21, 2011 at 11:29 AM

    I just love this! I will definitely do something like this when I have kids, even thought I hate mess in the kitchen, but the pictures are oh so lovely it is so worth it!

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  18. pattiJuly 21, 2011 at 11:31 AM

    just perfect! congrats on your baby boy! :)

    patti - urbanbundle.com

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  19. AnonymousJuly 21, 2011 at 11:35 AM

    So fun! What a great idea for some fun memories and photos! :)

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  20. TeresaJuly 21, 2011 at 11:36 AM

    Such cute pics! It looks like your girls had a blast!

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  21. Lindsey,Alyssa and CarlyJuly 21, 2011 at 11:44 AM

    You look beautiful. Hope everyone's back to health there.

    Will be praying for you tomorrow. So excited for you to have your boy (esp since we have 3 girls first) they are SO much fun in SUCH a different way.

    Enjoy your last day.

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  22. Nicole EgererJuly 21, 2011 at 12:09 PM

    Oh my goodness! This is pure happiness :) I love these photos. What a fun time with your girls. Thanks for sharing and enjoy this time with your family as your welcome #4 to the family :) Congrats and God bless!!

    Warm Regards,
    Nicole

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  23. Perpetual Blind DateJuly 21, 2011 at 12:10 PM

    you have gorgeous babies, seriously. that littlest baby has to be the most precious thing I have ever seen especially the picture where she is the only one looking at the camera. What great pictures!!! Much love tomorrow

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  24. AmanDaJuly 21, 2011 at 12:21 PM

    These are so amazing! I have three girls too and one of our favorite things to do is cook and bake together. One of my very favorite photos still to this day is my oldest daughter sitting on the counter licking brownie batter off her fingers...that also happens to be in her hair and on her toes. Memories to last a lifetime.

    And also, you look amazing. Can't wait to meet your little man.

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  25. Tai BenderJuly 21, 2011 at 12:21 PM

    these are the best pictures ever! You are all beautiful!

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  26. Christi July 21, 2011 at 12:24 PM

    what a great memory and perfect day!!! i think today is the day ... praying for you.

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  27. LoriJuly 21, 2011 at 12:24 PM

    LOVE the photos! And, sorry, but after growing up with a sister who had 2 girls, and then having a boy (who is now 10) I can say with confidence that boys ARE scary. VERY. You will love it though. It will be SO weird. Good weird. Thanks for sharing the photos! Love!

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  28. UnknownJuly 21, 2011 at 12:25 PM

    I love the pictures! So cute. Glad I found your blog! :)

    PS. I made that tiered tray you posted about. I love it!!!!

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  29. AllisonJuly 21, 2011 at 12:39 PM

    These pictures are beautiful beautiful beautiful. Love it. Wish I lived close enough to have Drew as my photographer, too!!

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  30. TLFJuly 21, 2011 at 12:43 PM

    These are so beautiful!!

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  31. UnknownJuly 21, 2011 at 1:43 PM

    this is such a beautiful shoot! love how drew captures your girls and you! what a great way to remember this time.

    ps- i love how bright and cheery your home is!

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  32. AnonymousJuly 21, 2011 at 1:59 PM

    Julie, I am so happy for you! You are so beautiful. You will teach me how to braid my bangs like that, right? Ok. Your girls are sooo cute.

    And yup. Boys rock. silly, star wars loving, Boston singin, cuddly awesomeness.

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  33. tiffJuly 21, 2011 at 2:29 PM

    Seriously....If I was younger, I'd ask you to adopt me. Your family always looks so happy and loving!

    ♥tiff

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  34. Candace McClintickJuly 21, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    Oh!-Great photos!! How lucky are you guys to have each other!!

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  35. Heather HJuly 21, 2011 at 2:35 PM

    I love the idea of this and all the pictures - especially Janie's smile in them! Cutest thing ever! I have to do this soon.

    I hope tomorrow goes so smoothly for you! Can't wait to "meet" your beautiful baby boy!

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  36. saraJuly 21, 2011 at 3:04 PM

    Adorable pictures!!!!!!!

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  37. ~RosanneJuly 21, 2011 at 3:33 PM

    SO-o sweet! Great memories to last a lifetime.

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  38. AndreaJuly 21, 2011 at 5:21 PM

    the photos are amazing and fun! and as for boys, they love their mama more than anything i have experienced, your cup will runeth over, good luck!! ps loooove the kitchen ;)

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  39. AndreaJuly 21, 2011 at 5:22 PM

    amazing photos...everyone is right boys love their mams something fierce! your cup will runeth over, good thing you like big cups haha ps looove the kitchen!good luck with baby boy!

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  40. RachelJuly 21, 2011 at 5:41 PM

    Know what's a riot? We do this at least three times a week... dump out the flour and sugar and wreck the kitchen.

    And I have a boooooooy! :)

    You are in for some good times!

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  41. Amy KJuly 21, 2011 at 5:49 PM

    There is so much love in these photos! I wanted to cry! I have a little boy and I am due with my first girl in 8 weeks... not gonna lie, freaking out about having a girl. A mama's heart so belongs to her boy!! You're not going to understand until tomorrow, but it will be wonderful! Congrats!!

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  42. Elle The HeiressJuly 21, 2011 at 5:55 PM

    I'm not usually that mom either, but that's so sweet of you to create those memories with them!

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  43. LeannaJuly 21, 2011 at 6:03 PM

    What a fun, fantastic memory! I don't think the smiles on all 4 of you could be bigger. Your little boy will have a blast too!

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  44. Katie BishopJuly 21, 2011 at 6:19 PM

    I read your blog and want to be you. To have drew come and take these photos... I want to be you! Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us!

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  45. Tangelia C.July 21, 2011 at 7:10 PM

    I just found your blog! But I wanted to let you know that your kitchen is beautiful! I love the blue, the chalkboard, and the fun banner! You look like your a great and fun mom!

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  46. KristinJuly 21, 2011 at 7:21 PM

    BEAUTIFUL! You have a gorgeous kitchen too! Your girls couldn't be any cuter - amazing photos!

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  47. sarahJuly 21, 2011 at 7:51 PM

    oh my gosh those belong in a magazine somewhere!! you girls are just the CUTEST!!! what a blessing to have that day and the pictures!!!

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  48. wilderlambJuly 21, 2011 at 7:56 PM

    So ridiculously adorable! Loved the slideshow.

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  49. LaurenJuly 21, 2011 at 8:05 PM

    Julie, these are amazing!!! I love that you did this... Drew always does an amazing job, from what I have seen on her blog, but your family makes these photos just amazing. I looooove all of the color. Its inspiring!! Best wishes to you! And I hope your youngest (for a few more hours) is feeling better!!

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  50. JuliaVPJuly 21, 2011 at 8:08 PM

    These are the sweetest pictures ever... no pun intended. I was in tears as I looked at them and thought of the painful road God brought you on to such a joyful beautiful family. Praying for you as you welcome baby boy!

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  51. SaraJuly 21, 2011 at 8:14 PM

    Having amazing pictures from DrewB at the end of a kids in the kitchen free-for-all never hurts! I have to agree with everyone as well, boys are super fun!

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  52. emmaJuly 21, 2011 at 8:24 PM

    you and your girls are gorgeous. your youngest girl makes me smile every single time i see a picture of her. this looks like a blast!

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  53. ShariJuly 21, 2011 at 8:48 PM

    These are beautiful and I know these images will be treasured!!! I would LOVE to know the color of the blue paint. I am on the search right now for the perfect turquoise for my laundry room and I LOVE this!!!

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  54. DenissaJuly 21, 2011 at 8:49 PM

    AMAZING!!! What a fun idea,memory to capture :)
    You look beautiful Julie! Love Janey's expression when she is on the counter..

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  55. AnonymousJuly 21, 2011 at 9:20 PM

    I could not love these photos any more! An amazing photographer for sure, but you don't even need that to capture the beauty of all FOUR ladies in those pictures. Good luck to that little boy making it with these girls for sisters :)

    p.s. little boys love to snuggle just as much as little girls do!

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  56. ClaireJuly 21, 2011 at 10:48 PM

    oh i love love love this! and if that first picture doesn't make it framed and on your wall - i am coming to give you a spanking!!!

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  57. Alex&ChristinaJuly 21, 2011 at 11:19 PM

    These pictures are amazing!!!!!! Your little ones are beautiful and having boys is amazing! You're in for a
    Ride of your life lol:)
    Mom of 3 boys( an ex perfectionist and a neat freak, GOd knew what he was doing, by a third time I just had to let go of any control, just let it all go lol)

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  58. Carol BJuly 22, 2011 at 12:35 AM

    :-D
    ditto all the lovely comments.....you guys (sorry, girls) are so adorable. I'm sooo happy for you.

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  59. MeganJuly 22, 2011 at 4:23 AM

    Oh Julie, that has to be the cutest slideshow of pics ever!! Drew is the best!!! What a great idea to capture your 3 precious girlies before you little boy arrives!

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  60. Object of Maya*ffectionJuly 22, 2011 at 5:26 AM

    I am that SAME mom.....I'd like to think I love all the happy mess BUT in reality I'm not crazy about a mess BUT you're absolutely right, you do need to do that every now and then!!

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  61. Object of Maya*ffectionJuly 22, 2011 at 5:27 AM

    BTW, ADORABLE photo's of y'all...it looks like a magazine shoot!!

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  62. jaquelyn {mama thoughts}July 22, 2011 at 6:31 AM

    I love this, Julie. The happiness is contagious. :D

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  63. CandiceJuly 22, 2011 at 7:12 AM

    Just LOVE it!!

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  64. UnknownJuly 22, 2011 at 7:29 AM

    your kids and outfits + drew b's photo skillz = pure eye candy. love it! can't wait to see you with a boy! I have 1 boy (#4) and 5 girls and our house is no less sparkly and pink with him...but he does love spending quality time with daddy doing "guy stuff" :)

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  65. cocoJuly 22, 2011 at 9:04 AM

    Oh Julie! How beautiful you all are! All glowing :) I have one girl and one boy and they are wonderfully different and special and unique in their own ways. You are about to have your heart stolen. I always say, when my boy was born, it was like the gush of love i have only ever felt for my husband, all over again. Can't wait to see your little man! Praying for you as you watch the Lord bring him into your arms!

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  66. BeverlyJuly 22, 2011 at 11:23 AM

    Priceless - that's all I can think of. You and your girls are beautiful with such sweet smiles. Can't wait to see that little boy and how he changes your life.

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  67. onecraftalicousmommaJuly 22, 2011 at 4:01 PM

    Im in LOVE with your kitchen's color sceme... its GORGOUS!!!! In fact it is almost as Gorgous as you 3 little girlys!!

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  68. hopeJuly 24, 2011 at 12:29 PM

    i find bits of encouragement each time i visit here -- thank you for that.

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  69. KatJuly 28, 2011 at 6:53 PM

    Oh my gosh, these pictures are amazing!!! What a fun day, baking with Mommy!

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  70. TiffanyJuly 31, 2011 at 7:00 PM

    I keep coming back to these pictures. SO ADORABLE!!!! And bald baby certainly isn't anymore, bald, or a baby. Your family is just beautiful!

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