Disclaimer – This post is sponsored by Southeast Toyota. All opinions are 100% my own.
Guys not to get all weepy on you…but seriously you guys are amazing. I say that because you are the reason I keep doing what I do. I love you. Seriously.
And anytime I get a cool new opportunity, it is truly the most humbling thing….because it doesn’t reflect on me but really on the fact that I have this amazing community online that feels more like friendship than most real life stuff. Okay…so cue tears. Why so much emotion? Well…let me share for a second. Jeremy got an email and he came to me with this look of pure shock on his face and was like “Umm….Katie?” and I literally thought he was gonna tell me that we won the lottery (which we don’t play) when he said “You aren’t gonna believe this.”
Of course, I was dying in anticipation. DYING. And then he said “Toyota contacted us and wants to send us on a date”.
MY MOUTH ON FLOOR. That was the situation.
My first words were “YES. I don’t need details.”
I mean….seriously who does that? People who read this blog and are the biggest hearted, generous and understanding friends….that’s who. So a very sweet reader (who we have never met) works with Toyota and wanted to send us on a date. You may think…that’s not a big deal….it’s a date. But to us, to us, that is a HUGE deal. We haven’t been on a date…. alone….since the day we had Will. We have gone to work conferences, had dates with babies in tow, and lots of mommy-son outings but not a fun night out just for us. This special occasion was just that….a date night turned video turned a whole lot more.
So after we had a little more communication, we got the low down on how everything would happen. I really wanted to give you guys a recap so that you could understand what a special experience this was and also…because I am so dang lucky and this will never happen again!
The whole idea was to create a docu-style video with the new Toyota Camry and center it around the idea that not only is it a great family car, but it’s a great date night car too. I can vouch for the fact that Toyotas are great date night cars….our first date was in one 🙂 Jeremy actually owned a 4Runner when we met so it’s a full circle moment for us to be back in a Toyota for dates!
Of course, we could have just gone to dinner and been done. But because we Bowers do nothing normal, the filming of the whole dang thing was actually REALLY exciting. We had a whole crew coming to document our normal day-to-day activities and then film the actual date too.
We have to admit that our outfits for our ‘normal life’ were a bit nicer than average. Jeremy wore a watch and I had my nails done 🙂
But other than that, everything they filmed was completely US. The boys played on their bikes. We yelled to get helmets on. They dug in the yard. We had mud to clean up. The kids played baseball. We did tickle-tag-outs.
We had snacks of apples and goldfish and LJ had his cape. The only difference was that there were guys following us around with a camera and a microphone. But in general, we just lived the normal everyday Bower life.
Jeremy worked on his laptop. I cut some wood in the garage. It was surprisingly average. And the boys LOVED it. It was so much attention and admiration for their bike tricks and dirt holes and silly little stories….I think that if they had the option, they would want a film crew around all the time 🙂
Will understood the process a little better (he’s made a few videos himself in the garage) so he was really interested in all the gear and also loved directing. #firstborn
For an entire afternoon, the crew filmed the family. Then the following day they came back to film the ‘getting ready’ and ‘going on a date’ segments. My mom was our babysitter and of course, she was such a great sport. I can’t thank you enough Mom. Seriously. You are the best. Thanks for putting up with our antics 🙂
The funniest part was the getting ready….mostly because there is like a team of five guys who are watching you blowdry your hair and put on your makeup. I usually do have a crowd of boys watching me but they are all six and under 🙂 So this was definitely out of the norm.
The crew took lots of footage of the real star of the show….the fiery red Camry parked in our driveway.
It was so interesting from a video standpoint how details of a car really matter. I think sometimes we pass over the lines of a trunk because it’s just a trunk….but to a video camera, it’s those lines that make a car sexy. And when you look at the details of the Camry through a lens, it brings things out….makes you take notice. Maybe you should take a camera the next time you go car shopping 🙂
We had lots of little shots showing off all the features…the navigation system and the back up camera and details of the steering wheel.
It’s a little intimidating to have this big rig in your face when you may have a little lunch still in your teeth 🙂
I got some pics of the creative team….they are the ones that helped anywhere and everywhere. They literally bent over backwards, scooped up children and did coffee runs! A huge shoutout to them!
The last shots at the house were HILARIOUS….we said our goodbyes inside the house, giving lots of kisses and hugs and then we headed to the porch to do the ‘filmed version’ (the ones where we aren’t telling the kids multiple times that they need to listen and obey Nana and to remember to brush their teeth and to not pinch each others booties!)….
The kids gave us kisses, we waved goodbye, hopped in the car and drove around the driveway……to do it a few more times 🙂
By the third take, I think the kids were like OK GO ALREADY.
And here’s another funny thing….the entire time we were in the car, we had a couple crew members crouched down filming little things.
The first stop of the night was to a new restaurant. It was SO charming and beautiful. It is called Bistro Off Broad and it’s in Winder if any locals wanna check it out. The craziest part is that the entire street was closed for us.
The director and the police officer figuring out lighting 🙂
The most interesting part of this entire excursion was that I had NO IDEA what was happening. Jeremy had planned this entire thing with the creative team and I was just along for the ride….literally and figuratively.
The camera crew got a bunch of shots outside the restaurant….Jeremy getting a big basket of food and tasty treats….and me trying to get into the drivers seat.
But the biggest surprise happened when we were doing our shots of the car pulling up. We were sitting there for the sixth time and Jeremy said “Hey just look in the glove box really quick”. I did – thinking that I was gonna pull out a walkie talkie or something….and there he had stashed a little surprise for me. It was a love letter that he had written to me back before we had kids. I UGLY CRIED. It was so sweet and thoughtful and I am sure they got it on camera but honestly – just having the opportunity to be surprised by the man you love is priceless.
Overall….it was sooooo fun. The weather was absolutely perfect and we hung outside doing loads of different shots and angles.
We even taught the restaurant chef how to use Instagram! I love date night!
And of course, in true blogger fashion, I had to take a picture of this adorable bathroom. I loved the mixed tiles and the rustic mirror and the HUGE mirror being held in place with a hand constructed shelf. SO FUN.
After we left the restaurant, we headed to a local park. Again….I had no idea what was happening. And I was asked to cover my eyes so I wouldn’t see anything when we drove up. We headed to a beautiful clearing in the park where the water meets the forest. The team had set up this amazing area for us to sit and enjoy. It was UNREAL.
All the trees had twinkle lights in them and the mason jars were filled with more twinkle lights and there was a giant screen with a movie projector that they set on the trunk of the car. We walked out to the area to eat cheesecake and watched a short and ridiculously sweet video of pictures of our dating years, our engagement, and some of the kids with all the footage from the day before. I cried. Again. And again. And then just a little more.
I have honestly never seen a picture of my kids in our house that wasn’t taken by me….so that was such a special gift.
Then…and you will not believe this….the crew whipped out some guitars and sang us a song. I MEAN! IS THIS EVEN REAL LIFE PEOPLE!? I was so desperately craving some date night romance that made me laugh and cry and feel beautiful and normal and I didn’t even know it. That my friends is what kids can do to you! You forget! Don’t get me wrong – I am obsessed with my children and I would have ten thousand kids if I could. But there are moments when you need to step away….or drive away in this instance….so that you can sit back and really SEE what amazing gifts are in your life. That was this to me.
We wrapped up around 3:30 AM, we drove home with happy grins permanently pasted on our faces….and just so excited to share with you guys. And thank you. Thank you for being there for us. Thank you for your sweet comments and your notes of encouragement. Thank you for sending my kids tshirts and artwork and gifts from afar. Thank you for your Christmas cards and your ‘likes’ on social media. Thank you for making this happen. Seriously….from one mama to another…you guys make things like this happen for us. And thank you to the crew….your serenade and setup and photos – I will NEVER forget that. And thank you also to Southeast Toyota. You have one sweet car and it was such a gift to let us experience it. (and if you guys are considering a car….you should check out the Camry….I got to spend that whole night in it and it was so nice!!!)
And now….the moment I know you guys are all waiting to see….a little peek into our normal….this wasn’t produced by us or filmed by us or anything like that. This is just us being us….in a really sweet ride 🙂
This was really special for you guys! Now, go on a baby-free date without a crew of guys!!!
omg, ugly cry here, too. so sweet you guys. you two totally deserve this. merry christmas!
You guys look amazing! Way to go! And way to do things that are other people’s “out of comfort zone” !
That was so cute and sweet! Makes me think when the announcement from #5 will happen! lol
This is so adorable and so sweet! I totally get not ever getting dates. We rarely do either. Looks like you had an amazing night out and really enjoyed yourselves! Also – outfit details… 🙂
I absolutely love this. You and Jeremy are such a great couple, so glad you had the opportunity to have an actual date. This as very touching.
I mean come on, that video is absolutely adorable – you guys are such a cute couple! But let’s be real – this still wasn’t a proper date night. It was still a work thing and you ate dinner with 14 other people 😉
I vote you two bribe your sweet momma and treat yourselves to a REAL date! You guys definitely deserve it!
HAVE MERCY! I need a Kleenex now. And a date with my husband (sponsored by Toyota – hahahaha!)
So glad you got away for some one-on-one-on-crew time.
So sweet! What a fun and amazing date night!
I had a smile on my face reading your post and looking at all the photos and I had tears in my eyes while watching the video. You guys are so deserving of that. Katie, you look so adorable. Jer, you look so handsome. What a fun…. memorable night.
New reality show? The Bower Bunch 😉
xo
Loved this post!!! Katie, you deserve all the kudos for the hard work you do!! Best. Post. Ever.
seriously Bowers?!?! I’m in tears over here. That was such an amazing video.
You guys are the real deal, so in love.
That is seriously the cutest!
First, I am so glad y’all got to spend some “alone” time together (minus the film crew). This looks like the most fun ever! I love seeing the behind the scenes of your life too, because it shows how normal your family is. PS-I LOVE your dress and boots!
LOVE LOVE LOVE! What a dreamy date night! Y’all are so cute.
Oh you Bowers!!!! You had me in tears! I love you two, and love how you finally got some you time.
And your Southern accents kill this Canadian lady.
Excuse me while I go buy a Toyota.
Y’all! That was adorable!!! I managed to not cry while watching it…very proud of myself! You deserve all the extras you get for the hard work you put in…I hope this is the first of many more dates alone!
What a special night and kudos to the boyfriend for going above and beyond!
This was freaking fantastic !!! You deserve all of it!!
So so so so happy for you guys. It means so much that you two are united….but it takes time and patience. Marriage is so hard but it can work!!!! Congrats to you that you had such a wonderful time. What a beautiful adventure. I’ve always supported you and I hope you listen more to the positive than the naysayers. You are a strong beautiful mom and more. You just have to believe it. We are so quick to dismiss those compliments. Start believing!!! 🙂
Crying!!!
You two are adorable and I would love it if you had your own show!! I’d watch every episode!
I’m crying!! And wow, you are beautiful. I’ve always thought so, but you look even more so in these pictures. Must be that special date night glow 🙂
That was so great!!! Loved it and ugly cried here too!!
That was just the cutest thing ever! It made me cry at my desk. I love when brands like Toyota give back to real people – just lovely.
You need another disclaimer at the top: DO NOT READ IF PREGNANT, YOU WILL UGLY CRY FROM YOUR HOME OFFICE.
bahahaha! You crack me up!
xo – kb
This was so sweet!!!! I was smile crying till the end.
Well that made me cry like a baby. Such a beautiful commercial! Made so much sweeter “knowing” you guys. And being a mom of two, I know the date struggle and how your heart needs to be reminded of the romance. Great job
That was wonderful. I hope this night leads to Bower Baby Boy # 5! LOL AND your own show! That would be so much fun. You are beautiful people – on the inside and out.
I drive a Camry Hybrid. I love it. It is a fun sporty-ish family car.
I hated the ending of this video! I wanted it to keep going! Absolutely enchanting. Shout out to the film editors, too. The little moments in the car were so lovely!
That is the sweetest commercial ever!! And that it was all a surprise for you. Love it!! Almost makes me want to buy a Toyota Camry (except that we too have 4 children and wouldn’t all fit)!
So I rarely comment and when I saw that this was a sponsored post from car company I thought it was going to be meh. But you all brought me to tears. This was seriously the sweetest. I am so happy you got to spend some time together. What a magical night.
OMG, yeah, big soggy wet ugly cry. NSFW! (In a excuse me I have to go cry in the bathroom sort of way)
@Katie, where’s that floral shoulder cardigan from?
Date Night….what is that??? I would love to go to a conference with out my kids or have my parents watch them. Just not going to happen. Toyota feel free to send us on a date night….you make it look fun.
That is not a date. You were paid and video taped over a two day span to be in a commercial. Also, that is not your first date you’ve had since Will was born. Why do you lie about the most minute things?
Ha, so I showed this post and video to my wife saying how sweet it was and it couldn’t have happened to a nicer couple. Then I was immediately threatened with physical violence if I ever accepted anything like this from a company. She’s a bit of a wallflower while I like to bask in the spotlight. Ha.
LOVE LOVE that video. I was all teary-eyed (at work) and I don’t even know you guys!
Y’all are adorable! I cried reading then cried more watching the video.
This needs to be a commercial for Toyota, nationwide. If your readers feel the emotion from it, so would people everywhere! Beautiful. Loved it. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing this with us. So glad you got to have special time together!
This makes ME ugly cry!! I can’t even imagine what you were feeling! So perfect.
Oh my gosh YEEEEESSSS! Some one call TLC right now!
Wow! What an amazing date! I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart for 34 years and would give anything for an evening like that. So special!
That was so special! I am glad that you got this special date night. I miss date nights myself. 🙂
Haha wasI thinking the same thing! Baby girl!
Well first of all…it really is the first time we have gone out without a kid. I mean…that’s not a lie…it’s just a really sad fact. Now if you count going to the hospital (TO HAVE A BABY) as a date…then sure, we’ve been alone before…but that is the only time. So that does count in our mind as a date. We did go to Haven alone but that was what we mentioned in the video. And OF COURSE it was paid…hence the ‘sponsored’ disclaimer on the top of the post. My darling boyfriend wouldn’t have it any other way…he’s very business savvy 🙂
xo – kb
Haha! Oh Adam – you guys would be great! You should definitely bring your wallflower to Haven next year….I’d love to meet her 🙂
xo – kb
It’s from Zulily – I’ll try to share the link whenever it pops up again 🙂
xo – kb
It really was. I hope that one day you get your special night. I felt like the Bachelorette 🙂
xo – kb
Soon sweet girl! It will happen soon 🙂
xo – kb
Aww, this is so so sweet!!! You two are adorable!
The couch setup with the lights and all totally reminded me of a bachelor/bachelorette setup.
Forgot to ask where you got those boots!
Oh Em GEE! You Bowers are too cute for words! I bet you’re gonna have a fifth kid after that date 😉
But seriously that was adorable! Merry Christmas to you and yours <3
This is beyond precious – I’m in love with the way Jeremy looks at you!
Seriously. I kept saying that all night. I felt like Jojo except I already found Mr. Right 🙂
xo – kb
Katie – this is so wonderful. I can’t believe anyone would point out anything negative. You are an amazing person. You shared in a previous post that you were struggling. Please don’t dwell on one person’s mean comment. I am sure that is easier that it easier said than done – but focus on the wonderful community of people who adore you and recognize your creativity and business sense. For the one negative comment there are fifty positive ones. Just skip over the negative Nancy’s and keep doing YOU!
what a lovely moment!!!
so fun and i am glad yall did it
it was so fun to watch and enjoy .congrats to the Bowers for turning a lovely night into a something really cool with Toyota. Toyota could have paid actors or talent agencies to do this but its so much more fun and personal to use the blogger world.
Very cool and kudos to the bowers!
Thank you Emily. It’s so wonderful to have that community. I can’t tell you how much it means to me. Honestly, you guys feel like friends.
xo – kb
Umm, I just ugly cried! You two are the sweetest couple and have created an amazing life together. I hope Toyota has inspired you to go on dates more often now:-)
PS We are proud owners of a Toyota Sequoia and it’s a beast for family road trips to the mountains!
Lighten up,Magi.
So sweet! And bonus points for staying out til 3a without kids!
I knew there would be some negative commenter out there! Don’t let it take away from you all of us who are so happy you got this beautiful date! I teared up! As a freelance designer who works from home with three littles and very few date nights this post just made my heart happy!! You guys are awesome. Keep shining bright!
This is so cool! Love seeing my little town (and y’all! ) of Winder looking good! Thanks for sharing your lives with us!
How cool was that! My hubby and I are kind of the same way. We have traveled for conferences, etc, but not been on many “dates” since our four boys were born 6 years ago. What an awesome experience! Jeremy did an awesome job surprising you! Brought tears to my eyes too! 🙂
Oh Katie! I loved this! Now you need a “real” date night! And, Toyota needs to make this video a nationwide commercial-by watching it, I would totally go out and buy one 🙂
Precious! Thank you for sharing your life with us. You are a bright spot in my day.
With a date night like that I expect to see a pregnancy announcement soon!
your life is on display on this blog. you have blogged about date nights. but when toyota’s paying you, you conveniently haven’t had a date night in 6 years? 233 results for date night on the sidebar.
I mean, there are post on your blog about going out to dinner and seeing Wicked and such from when Will was a baby. So there have a been a few date nights. Just not a lot.
Ugh…I just ugly cried, too! What a special thing for an amazing couple and family. Well deserved!
Wishing you and your family the best this holiday season!
Oh my gosh, I ugly cried for you! How amazing…that was a great video, that I’m sure you’ll love to look back on later in life!
You’re awesome and totally deserve this! Don’t let the naysayers get you down!
Okay…so technically speaking you are right. In the last six years – we did go to Wicked one night and to a Valentines dinner (Hibachi) once when Will was very little…and Will is six and a half. BUT THAT FEELS LIKE A LIFETIME AGO. Let me share something with you…we can be very technical about what constitutes a date or not a date or WHATEVER…and we were filmed LIVE (no script, no edits, no retakes) for Toyota. If we said over five years, it’s still the sad fact that we haven’t had a date night. So yeah…you can feel justified and happy that we had date nights over a half decade ago…but to me, it’s really sad that you would want to soil such a wonderful thing for someone else by arguing.
xo – kb
Yup. You are right. A long time ago we went on a date. It feels like a lifetime ago. Over three kids ago. Jeremy said six years…it’s five…who cares?
xo – kb
You two and your children are adorable and I am crying watching this.
Wow! The video looks amazing! And you two are so sweet. 🙂
Do you mean first date night without kids or being pregnant? Might want to go through your Instagram and old posts on here where you mention your date nights. A 10 minute creep of your Instagram shows y’all have had at least a few #kidfree #datenights over the past few years.
OMG THE TECHNICALITIES! We go on dates with our kids. We go to the movies with baby carriers. We go to restaurants while nursing. We even go on work trips. BUT THIS IS A FREAKING FIRST DATE NIGHT IN A LONG TIME! I honestly do not remember a time in the last five years that we have gone without the kids…both of us to dinner and a movie without a baby, child or whatever…that wasn’t work related! Jeremy said six in the video. You guys are seriously RUINING this once-in-a-lifetime thing for us.
xo – kb
Oh my goodness, I cried! That is so precious!!!! Love it!!! Good job Toyota and I own one ;)!
Unfortunate about the few negative comments, I think the point is that when you have kids it’s hard to carve out a moment alone. And of course it probably slips your mind when you do. Our kiddos consume most if not all of our time and that’s ok! (Mom of 3 boys here!) I think it’s great that you had this opportunity and that your hubs went that extra special “mile” to make it that much more special for you. What a fun experience!!!
Oh wow! So beautiful! I’m guessing one more baby! Ha!
Couldn’t have happened to two nicer people! Glad you got to enjoy yourselves!
Adorable! Brought tears to my eyes.
Sorry but seeing a sponsored post that isn’t Technically true just makes me not want to read your blog anymore. 🙁 Just reading your comments here you’ve gone from We haven’t been out alone since having kids unless you count going to the hospital to have a baby to we’ve have a few dates but we’re very technical about what we count as dates and now I don’t remember but it’s been a long time. Why not just say date nights are rareeeee and this one was exceptionally special and nice instead of trying to be dramatic and say you haven’t had a date nite with no kids since having kids? If you don’t remember like I said a quick scroll through your Instagram will remind you of the few #kidfree date night you’ve had over the past few years.
I’m a dramatic person Mari. If you feel you gotta go…I understand.
xo – kb
Thank you Carrie 🙂 And you are so right…kids are definitely consuming of all our time, energy and memory!
xo – kb
What?? This is amazing! I’m crying and I don’t even know you – but I feel like I do! Thanks for sharing these sweet glimpses into your life. Way to go Toyota for a super amazing experience! Thanks so cool.
Tears! I have tears!! That was so sweet and so magical and so memorable! What a fabulous (and well deserved) opportunity! You guys are adorable! Now, why on earth have you not had a date by yourselves in 6 years??? Whatttt???
Well technically it has been five or so but it feels like a lifetime! We just have been busy having babies and nursing babies and doing house stuff. I have a feeling that you would understand that Miss 4 kiddos 🙂
xo kb
“Wahnsinn” is what I say. (German for amazing and crazy and great.)
From my heart I wish you all the best. You are a wonderful couple and I hope you can keep the flame alive for the next 50 years!!
Greeting from Germany
Christine
Very cute video. Something your kids will enjoy seeing through the years. What was the name of the song used in the commercial? Just beautiful.
I’m so glad you were able to share this well-deserved time together and have a beautiful video to watch remember it by! So very sweet! Parenting is an incredible blessing but alone time doesn’t come often. Such a sweet and sentimental time for the two of you.
Seeing your love for each other and your family was beautiful. Made me cry watching:-) Blessings to your sweet family.
I love reading your blog and seeing your great projects, but I’ve never commented before. This was a beautiful video, commercial or not. I’m so sorry that people always have to take something lovely and turn it into a negative, especially at this time of year. I think the world has become so pessimistic that when shown something true and real, people want to tear it down and say it’s fake. My youngest of three kids is now 13, and seeing you with your kids reminds me of what’s really important–family. I know it must be so hard to shake off the rude comments, but you keep being you. You make the world a better place, and we need more of that!
Merry Christmas!
The no dates in however many years made my jaw drop a bit, too, especially since you have family nearby who could watch them. All of our family lives at least 2 hours away, and we have two boys, but we’ve gone out several times when my mom or sister would come to watch them. (I know four kids is a lot to watch but sounds like you weren’t going out even when you had one or two). We’ve even had a couple of times where a friend who doesn’t have kids would offer or be willing to sit so we could go out for a special occasion. I get not being able to pay for a babysitter for four kids, since I’m not going to pay for one for two, but can’t your family help you out every now and again? Even if you split the kids up, or do a baby sitting trade with a family member or friend who also has kids? I don’t mean this in a negative way, just in a “Wow, this must’ve been a really cool experience, but you still didn’t actually get that one-on-one couple time with your dude, and you both deserve/need that” kind of way. I do get that it’s awkward to ask for babysitting, especially if your family watches the kids for you a lot for other reasons, but that’s why God invented bartering!
Yup! Ugly crying too! 🙂 What a sweet gift from a sweet friend! These are memories you will cherish forever. Thank you for sharing them with us and letting us take a peak in your everyday, crazy momma life 🙂 Makes me feel like i’m not alone. #momsquad haha I look forward to reading your blog daily. It’s wonderful, honest and just down right REAL! Looking forward to more 🙂
Way to make me ugly cry at work! That was awesome. Here’s to the next time sans film crew Ha!
Goodness, this is sweet! The way that you two look at each other so adoringly is absolutely precious and inspirational to this tired mama. And why anyone feels the need to drudge up ridiculous technicalities about your life is beyond me. Move on people, move on. The rest of us are here reading because we love your blog and reading about your sweet, sweet family. Congrats on your successes, Bowers, and for crazy cool opportunities like this one! Merry Christmas 🙂
This doesn’t make me want to buy a Camry (sponsored and all_) but what a cute freaking video! Amazing how much they cut out too!
Now, on to a REAL real date! 😉
Made me cry watching this. What a wonderful memory…..
You guys are truly amazing. Merry Christmas
Echoing the sentiments of many others when I say that I cried watching the video and felt extremely happy for you guys to have an amazing opportunity like this. I know this is something you will always treasure. I am a long time reader and it occurred to me when I was so full of so many emotions that, gosh, I genuinely care for these people and their sweet family. This video made me think of my own young boys and my husband and was a great reminder of the fact that we are all different but also very much the same.
Katie, you don’t know me, but we are BFFs. and your Jeremy and my Josh are also gonna be BFFs. I have followed you for a few years and I love your blog, your posts and your family. Just adorable! I even love your sponsored posts! I have gotten MANY great ideas from things you have recommended. It’s part of this world, and I appreciate the time you take to do it. I’m so happy that you and your hubby got this sweet night out together. Its no different than winning a raffle! I would love it too! Keep being you Bowers! and thanks for making me UGLY cry at work! xo
I don’t have kids yet so I may just be completely oblivious, but why haven’t you been able to go out alone before now since your mom lives nearby? I’m sure watching all 4 boys is TONS of work so I’m not surprised it doesn’t happen all the time, but I was a little curious about why it’s never happened (besides the few out of town trips you mentioned). I’m guessing you’ve always had to take the baby along for nursing reasons? Hopefully you’ll get a few more nights alone (and without a camera crew!) once the little boys are a little older! 🙂
So sweet!! You guys are relationship goals 🙂
You say you haven’t been out alone together that wasn’t work related but…this was work related! You were paid(?) to go on a date. You were filming a commercial/video/whatever for your blog which is your job so I would consider this work. This isn’t a date alone with just the two of you. You went on a date with a film crew. Why don’t you get your mom or someone else to babysit once a month(at least) to go on an ACTUAL date where you two are alone? If she can come babysit your kids while you get paid to go on a date then I don’t see why you can’t ask her(or anyone else) to babysit for a couple of hours where you go on a date that you paid for yourself.
One more thing….why did you edit the post? You took out the part where it clearly says you did not have dinner alone with just the two of you. Had dinner with the entire crew. It’s things like this that make it hard for anyone to believe anything you say.
I sincerely hope you guys are having actual dates just the two of you, and it seems you do based on other posts and instagram. Not sure how you consider this a date – you ate dinner with an entire camera crew and had every move and conversation recorded. My husband and I would consider dinner with a infant more of a date than this two day show.
Loved the video! I have been reading your blog for years. I think this is the first time I’ve commented. Your posts are so fun and honest. Thank you for sharing part of your lives with us. 🙂
Girl, you gotta get mom over to babysit more often on you and the hubs can catch a break!
What’s the deal real with the other couples you are do dinner with? Was that table for the crew or were others chosen for this date night promo?
Too bad you couldn’t keep the car! Haha!
My mom still works full time (sometimes her lessons go well into 9pm) and so does my dad (he runs his own company)…so they do absolutely all they can do. I know that and I appreciate that. Honestly, we do ask them to help with the kids if we do a work related thing and they always bend over backwards to help and I would prefer to do the work stuff…I think both Jeremy and I do! The dinner thing was just with all the other adults…but we were the only ones that did dessert and got to experience the show 🙂
xo – kb
Thank you Rebecca. Your comment means so much to me!
xo – kb
ha! I am sure that a lot of people want to analyze what really is a date and what isn’t and this definitely wouldn’t be for everyone! This was a nice break for us…we REALLY enjoyed it…so to us, it totally counts. I had way more fun than if I just went to dinner solo with Jeremy (no offense honey!).
xo – kb
It was formatting weird. I took out that photo and it worked. I don’t know why but it doesn’t change the context of the post. And we did not have dinner alone but we had dessert just the two of us with flowers and drinks and a personal serenade. It was amazing.
xo – kb
My mom and dad both work full time – they both own their own businesses. My mom is a music teacher and she runs a lot of music clubs and is very into performing and teaches at schools and at night in her home. My dad runs his own software business and travels a lot. They both help out any time I ask but they have lots of grandkids in the area…so we try to be fair. And yes…the last four years we have had a newborn, nursing child or a co-sleeping child…so we just roll with it 🙂
xo – kb
Thank you Amber. And honestly it’s you guys that are amazing.
xo – kb
The camera guys told us that they shoot a forest to show a needle. It’s kinda crazy because we thought there would never show the part of us eating and talking…which was a huge part. Jeremy and I were both like…they do realize we have food in our mouth, right?!
xo – kb
Ha! Or maybe next time we can do a film of us sharing what life is REALLY like here in the Bower house 🙂
xo – kb
Thank you Kristen. That is so sweet of you. And yes, I agree…even my mother told me that she hadn’t remembered a date night we went on (and she is our babysitter!)…but the point was, tired mama’s sometimes get a little special moment and although they are rare, they are delightful. I think that is what Camry wanted to celebrate….and I humbly represent this generation of amazing mamas. Hats off to you sweetie and Merry Christmas!
xo – kb
Thank you Melissa. I hope your Christmas is very merry too!
xo – kb
It’s definitely tricky. We are trying to figure it out now…but in the past, we were still nursing most of that time…so that was a huge limitation. My kids are close together so I was nursing when pregnant and then we also co-slept with our kids so that was hard for bedtimes. Also my parents work…and my sister was nearby but she has three little ones now. It’s just hard to figure out sometimes…especially if you are like me and don’t like to ask for favors 🙂
xo – kb
Thank you Rhawine. You are hilarious. and YES…#momsquad all the way 🙂
xo – kb
YAY! I knew we would find each other 🙂
#BFFS #BFFBOYFRIENDS
xo – kb
I really really do. It was once in a lifetime! And yes, I think that is what Camry wanted…they just wanted someone to represent the fact that we as parents are all trying our best…and sometimes we deserve a little treat ourselves 🙂
xo – kb
True. We could get all technical but this felt like a date even more than just dinner out alone would. And to be perfectly honest, I would rather get paid to go on a date! Wouldn’t you!? haha! My mom does do a lot. She comes over for an hour and a half every Thursday afternoon to visit with me…and that’s what she is capable of…she works full time and teaches at home at night and at schools during the day – that’s between performances and recitals and running music clubs…that is what she can do and I am REALLY thankful for that. And she understands work stuff…my family is a hard working bunch so this was worth asking her to do. I don’t like asking more than that because I know she sacrificed so much when we were younger and music is truly her passion in life. So yeah. And honestly, it’s hard for us to ask anyone else.
xo – kb
Good for you guys! It was a beautiful story and video. LOVE IT.
Keep doing you! I have been a reader for years and will continue to be as long as you are here.
(I wasn’t going to comment, but I really want to outweigh the few negative comments) 🙂
I thought the video was very sweet. I’m sorry some of your readers want to get technical about how many dates you have had, good grief! If anyone has read your blog for any length of time they would realize you don’t get to sneak away very often and to have Toyota pay for the date and also record and preserve a snapshot of your life so you can have it ….priceless!!! Well done Bowers!!!
Thank you Cassie. It actually does help when there are such positive comments 🙂
xo – kb
I saw this first on instagram and LOVED it! I just popped down here to leave a comment about how great you guys look in the video (this should seriously be a national commercial) and I already see some of your nice followers referencing other negative comments. I don’t know why I’m surprised anymore… jealousy owns some people. Anyway – LOVE the video, and I’m glad you had a great time! (#bowercamrysuperbowlad)
This is my first comment on this post, but I was glad to see some people speaking up about the claim that this was the first “date” in six years… because words mean things. And when someone uses words that mean one thing, when they could used other words that would be more truthful, well then, then it feels like that person is being intentionally deceptive.
Do people really have nothing better to do than fact check your blog?? As if the number of years is SUCH a critical fact to the story…
Katie – your date night looked fabulous! Don’t let the haters get to you!
Katie,
First of all – that was the sweetest video that I have ever seen. So genuine and heartfelt. Made me cry….. and I can honestly say that you have the prettiest ugly cry I have ever seen. Please ignore the nasty comments on here. They are unnecessary and petty and are written from a place of jealousy. Most of your blog readers have never had the chance to see your family up close and personal but I have. We met you and your boys (big and little) at Disney and I can tell you that the 45 minutes we observed your family was magical. You and Jeremy are the real deal and so kind, patient, loving AND deserving of as many date nights as you can get. We met you before we new who you guys were and when we walked away that day, Chris and I said Wow that family is sooo cool! Keep your chin up – your smile on and hugs those beautiful boys for us. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Hugs and Love to you all.
Ah, I get that. I never use family members to babysit when I need to get work done. I teach online so on rare occasions when I have a work meeting, the kids go to a drop-in center for a couple of hours. I’ll pay for childcare for work needs, but ask the family for help for the every-other-month night out. That’s situational, though, since my family wouldn’t even be an option for weekday coverage since they’re not local. Sounds like your mom helps out a lot and has a lot of different people’s needs she’s looking after, so it’s nice she’s able to help you guys out for work stuff.
Katie! I already commented over on Instagram but had to come over and comment here too because I’m still thinking about this dang video and how sweet it was. Corey and I watched it together last night and I’m pretty sure there were some tears in his eyes too (he’ll never admit it). This is so amazing and SO well-deserved. You guys are absolutely amazing, and there’s a reason you have built such a strong community here – because you’re so loved! Congratulations on the amazing opportunity…it looks like it was so fabulous!
Also, tell Jeremy I’m SUPER impressed with the love letter in the glove box. Way to think ahead! Such a sweet touch.
Don’t let those idiot above ruin it. This was an amazing thing you were apart of and these jealous trolls reek of jealousy. It was awesome and even more awesome that you got paid for it! I loved it from start to finish. How dare anyone suggest your mom watch them more or nit pick about what was a date or wasn’t.. They don’t know the in’s and out’s of your family and daily life. You both do amazing work (you and Jeremy) and you are seriously hysterical with the written word. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Whoa – I don’t know what happened with my comment and all those typos! I swear I speak English the other 99% of the time!
It looks like it was removed from your post now but I figured the dinner was with other bloggers (or “regular” couples) who were offered a date night too!
Your parents are busy peeps! Mine watch my kids once in a blue moon but they have to split their time between lots of other grandkids too – so I understand not getting enough alone time! Too bad free, trustworthy babysitters don’t grow on trees! Figure out a DIY for that and get back to me.
Anyone can hide behind the keys of their keyboard and say things to bring others down. I guess that’s life. We’ve all been guilty of doing so, but people who come back time after time to pointedly bring someone down, to punish them for working and making money for a living in a way that is different from their own… it’s just sad.
I’m not sure if it’s jealousy or spite or just being unsatisfied with themselves. Happy for you Katie. I dont generally like sponsored posts, but I willingly chose what I do and dont want to read. And dont blame you for doing you.
I don’t think people are trying to “ruin” this for you (no one can do that without your permission and you obviously already had this experience) but I think people are realizing that this wasn’t real. You paint this like it’s your first date since before kids but Instagram and your blog state otherwise. Technically or not, just be real. And this wasn’t a date; this was work commercial shooting a date. You got paid to go on this “date” with the crew and your husband happened to be your coworker on this commercial. Real gratefulness always shows and I think your readers are finding it less geniuine. You get so offended by the comments calling you out and you commenting back with full on passive aggressive doesn’t help. Real gratefulness would answer back with real joy and appreciation; not dismissive and passive aggressive comment like you’re still in high school
When you’re reading a sponsored post for Toyota and Ford ads are all through the post
Loved it had my own Toyota Experience since April 18 when bought TRDSPORT TACOMA I am 73 having time of my life formed a friendship with Shelby Houston in Toyota corp still correspond with her sent pictures of my TOYOTA FLEET (96 Taco/dad#03 Corolla/mom &16 Taco /baby that was their favorite anytime I read something good (not negative or damaging about this awesome Company it lifts me up I enjoyed yur story & pictures on a emotional day I was already having ❣I would go to ends of earth for them u experienced very few couples ever will CHERISH IT
Katie, I have to know the name and artist of the song that’s playing during your commercial. I tried to look up the lyrics and I’m coming up with nothing. It’s super catchy and I adore the lyrics.
I love watching and reading about you all. I don’t get why some people need to be so negative, maybe they should look in the mirror. Jealous, much? You handle it all with your usual grace- I hope you don’t spend any of your private time fretting over the negative mean people. Keep doing what you do- there are plenty of us out here that love you!
Isn’t it cute? I’m gonna have to find it out!
xo – kb
Nope. The dinner was with the crew. We were the only ‘talent’. But I can understand that it can be confusing.
xo – kb
Thank you Amanda. We love you guys!
xo – kb
We didn’t mean to be deceptive at all…we didn’t even know we were begin filmed at the time…we just simply were talking to the crew…and eating apples like a mad woman 🙂 We have gone a very long time without anything we felt was a date…and we weren’t picked for the role because of that fact. The whole thing was about a great company trying to give us a night out…because they felt like parents in general work hard and deserve time away…and the Camry is a great car for that. Nothing more, nothing less.
xo – kb
Aww thank you Pamela. You are so sweet. We still talk about you guys and how Weston just took to you! You are our Disney-friends! And like we said before – anytime you are in Atlanta! 🙂
xo – kb
Yes. Exactly. I know my mom sometimes feels like she should do more but I honestly think she does a TON…and I know her music is her joy so I think she should pursue it while she can!
xo – kb
Thank you Rachel! Merry Christmas to you too! And is it weird that I smiled when you said I was hysterical? I mean…that’s something I always wanted to be 🙂
xo – kb
Oh Katie. I am grateful. I have so much to be grateful for. And if you can’t see that, I’m sorry. Because there is so much great stuff in my life and I don’t take any of that for granted. And yes, you are right…it was a video shoot….but to us, it ALSO was a very special date. I laughed. I cried. I fell in love with Jeremy a little more. I got the best gift. I never meant to be dismissive or unreal or ungenuine. We never intentionally tried to deceive anyone or make anything seem more or less than it was. And the fact is…it was REALLY special to us.
xo – kb
The song is called “Heart” by Philip Price. Here is a link to the video on Youtube! 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2pNTcMaZlY
Marriage with the right person isn’t hard. Can we please stop telling people this? I makes them stay in relationships they shouldn’t because they think bad marriages are normal.
I can’t even. You guys. This is the most romantic.. most love-filled, pure goodness.
Awww!!! Sweetest post ever. Not going to lie, I got a little teary eyed watching that. You two are so genuine and deserve everything that comes your way.
I think marriage is hard at times even with the right person. We are all selfish or stubborn or tired or frustrated and we lose it in certain moments and that makes it hard. I ABSOLUTELY 100% love Jeremy and think he is my Mr. Right BEYOND 1000%….but we have moments…I think that is what Lindsay is saying. I don’t think that if you have a bad marriage, it is normal. Just wanted to play mediator before the discussion takes a wrong turn 🙂
xo – kb
I LOVE LOVE LOVED the video! It was so cute! I was scrolling through the comments to see if someone had already ask you this question and then i saw a lot of hateful comments on “this isn’t your first real date since Will” ummmm excuse me people why are you hating on this amazing video that really just shows how dang cute Katie and Jeremy are!? Seriously your love for each other is right up there with the Gaines.
We teach our children to be nice and not say rude things to others, yet adults turn around and do it to other adults. As Kasey Musgraves says….
“Step off, step off
Yeah you’re getting too close to me
With all your negativity
Just get lost
I’m just trying to make a difference here
So why you gotta interfere
Just keep climbing that mountain, your dirty tricks
When you finally get to the top
Step off”
SO back to my question do you know what the song was used in the middle of the video when you drive off in the sweet Camry? I LOVE it and think it’d be great to use in our home videos too!
Thank you and I hope you have a fabulous day today!!!
Thank you Robyn. We honestly made a mistake and it does seem to stir the pot! And I think that someone did find the song…I think there was a commenter that found it on Youtube!
xo – kb
That video is incredibly sweet! How special. You guys totally deserve it!
I posted a link to the song about 3 or 4 comments above your comment. 🙂