Family on jasoncrowther.com

A Lego Miracle

Sun, 05 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Somehow, I managed to pick a Lego set for Luke for Christmas that was already part of his massive collection. He was happy enough to rip into it and build it again, but I was able to talk him out of that and return it get a different set instead.

Birthday Fun!

Sun, 05 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000

So, recently we were at our Safeway grocery store getting a birthday cake for Luke. Going through the checkout lane, the cashier asked who the cake was for. Luke quickly stepped up and report that it was his birthday and his sister’s birth day was last week. The cashier’s eye lit up and she said, “ok, what are your names?”

Should I be worried?

Sat, 25 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000

My almost 6 year old son has never seen Stranger Things, but he draws a pretty mean Mind Flayer.

He says it’s a “robot octopus”, but I don’t believe him. Anybody got Hopper’s number?

Maybe We're Doing Something Right?

Sat, 20 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

On Thursday, I was picking up #1 at school. A teacher from the classroom next to hers came up to me and said “are you Jilly’s Dad?” “Yep, that’s me.” Hmm, where’s this going?

Diablo Foothills Regional Park

Sat, 12 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Another weekend, another park visit. This one was only a 15 minute drive from our place. It wasn’t obvious where to park; there’s a small lot right at the trailhead, but it filled up just as we rolled in. Better to park at the big (but unpaved and full of craters) lot you pass on the way in.

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

Mon, 07 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

We’re slowly trying to get to know our new area. Our first major park like stop was Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve. Its about 25 minutes away from our place.

The hills, even though all burnt up from the drought are still very pretty. Would have liked to take the kids on the mine tour, but they’re a bit too young (7 and up only) so that will have to wait.

Amazon.com: The Stinky & Dirty Show

Sun, 05 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Kids loved the pilot, hopefully more good stuff to come.

(For preschool-aged children) - The adventures of best friends and unlikely heroes, Stinky the garbage truck and Dirty the backhoe loader, a dynamic and hilarious duo of resourcefulness that learn when things don’t go as expected, asking “what if” can lead to success. Based on the books by Jim and Kate McMullan. Written and developed by Guy Toubes.

Happy Fathers' Dad

Mon, 22 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Well, that’s pretty epic…

https://twitter.com/chrishallbeck/status/612639450447900672

My son, the doctor

Tue, 16 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Using the crane from the train set at our local library as a stethoscope, he listens to my heart. He then informs me, “Dad, your heart is gonna throw up.” I should probably get a second opinion.

Hacking “Chutes and Ladders”

Wed, 10 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +0000

In depth analysis of the game that never ends quickly enough

Source: Hacking “Chutes and Ladders” using R | Ethan R. Markowitz

Interview: Jimmy Fallon : NPR

Tue, 09 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +0000

If you don’t think about your problems for one hour, then I did my job.

Source: Interview: Jimmy Fallon, Author Of ‘Your Baby’s First Word Will Be Dada’ : NPR

I'm so proud!

Wed, 27 May 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Recently, the kids burned through their TV allotment. So, I said, “Dad’s choice or nothing” and got some groans in response. So I put on the recent MythBusters where they were testing Simpsons myths. They both watched intently and then asked to watch another episode. I think I actually started to tear up.

All Hello Kittied Up

Sun, 22 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Yes, the socks don’t match. Yes, Dad is color blind.

Cheetos!

Sun, 22 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Prepare the nacho cheese decontamination crew.

50% of parenting is spending quality time with your kids

Sun, 07 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +0000

50% of parenting is spending quality time with your kids. The other 50% is figuring out how to get them away from you.

Reasons My Son Is Crying — 50% of parenting is spending quality time with….

Good times at the Syracuse Polish Festival

Sun, 22 Jun 2014 00:00:00 +0000

[gallery ids=“7075,7076,7077,7078,7079,7080”]

Took the kiddos down to the Syracuse Polish Festival. I’ve always wanted to go since I’ve lived in Syracuse, but never seem to make it. It was a gambling taking the kids to a place that doesn’t have their staple eat out foods (chicken nuggets and pizza), but I got the Polish Platter from the Utica Polish Community Center’s food tent. It had pirogi, kielbasa, sauerkraut, bread, and galumbki and hoped for the best.

Eh, ok...

Mon, 26 May 2014 00:00:00 +0000

I’ve been known to stage my kids in strange poses for comic effect.

This time, its 100% Luke’s work.

What, Dad? My butt was hot and my head was cold.

Onondaga Park

Mon, 26 May 2014 00:00:00 +0000

A couple of quick shots walking with kids at Onondaga Park. They really love the gazebo on an island.

[gallery ids=“7024,7025,7026,7027”]

117 Takes

Wed, 07 May 2014 00:00:00 +0000

..to get one decent group shot of two kids.

17 Reasons Why Anna Should Be Your Favorite Disney Princess

Mon, 28 Apr 2014 00:00:00 +0000

17 Reasons Why Anna Should Be Your Favorite Disney Princess.

Only because Frozen is on permanent perpetual repeat in our DVD player at the moment.

Shout out to Dewitt Fire Department

Sat, 19 Apr 2014 00:00:00 +0000

On our weekly grocery trip, sometimes we see a Dewitt Fire Truck in the parking lot of the grocery store. The kids love getting to check it out up close and personal. Today, as we were walking up on the truck, the fire fighters were just returning to the truck. Unprompted, they asked if the kids would like to check out the inside.

Yeah, that's how I roll...

Sat, 19 Apr 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Yep, that’s the helmet acquired earlier. Luke likes to rock it backwards.

Lemme just slip into something more comfortable...

Thu, 03 Apr 2014 00:00:00 +0000

…like the bin from our toy storage unit; ‘cause, ya know, that’s way more comfortable than sitting on the couch. Luke, you so crazy.

How to Put a Toddler to Bed in 100 Easy Steps

Tue, 25 Mar 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Yep, pretty accurate.

How to Put a Toddler to Bed in 100 Easy Steps | Honest Toddler.

Can I get those in size 11?

Sun, 16 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Man, kids shoes today are just way too cool.

Yes, Tonka Dump Truck sneakers. Yes, when you step the headlights flash. Luke was in love on first sight.

Fashionista

Sat, 15 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Yes, Jilly is a fashionista. She paired some delightful purple hospital traction socks with her leopard slippers. Nice!

Halp!

Tue, 14 Jan 2014 00:00:00 +0000

ok, that’s why you shouldn’t play in the toy bins.

Can you feel the love?

Mon, 30 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0000

« random playful banter »

me: (to wife) I don’t like you.

wife: I never liked you.

me: that’s it, I’m leaving.

daughter: daddy, where are you gonna go?

me: I’m gonna go live on the street.

Blast from the Past

Tue, 24 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0000

In our family, we recycle gift bags year to year. Here’s one from 2 years ago:

When the kiddos were baking, we elected not to know their sex until they popped; so we gave them code names. Jilly was Critter and Luke was Pixel.

Happy Birthday Luke!

Tue, 24 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Here’s Luke enjoying some birthday nuggets. Happy #2, big guy!

Note the death grip on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle that came with his Happy Meal.

Let the wild rumpus start!

Sun, 15 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Yep, my little girl is 4 years old today! Happy Birthday, Jilly!

It was fun to watch her do a double take when she spotted the two wheeler parked in the kitchen this morning. Unfortunately, Mother Nature dumped 5 inches of snow in the driveway overnight, so after a few laps around our lower level, its gonna get packed up until some warmer weather arrives.

Business Casual

Mon, 11 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Luke is the only guy I know that can pair a striped tie with flannel pajamas and rock it.

Round and Round We Go!

Wed, 06 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Distracting the kiddos with a sleigh ride on the old carousel at Carousel Mall Destiny USA. Both were itching to get on some horses, but didn’t think that was a good idea with only Dad to reign them in.

Shhh, Dad! TV on

Wed, 06 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0000

They only turned toward because of the range finder flash. At least they were watching Scooby Doo (classics). Dad approved.

Hi Mom!

Fri, 01 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Quick selfie with my Mom from my recent Utica visit… Best Mom (and Babci) evah!

LEGO movie?

Fri, 01 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Ah, why was I not made aware of this? Looks awesome.

Early Halloween

Thu, 31 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Think we’re gonna double dip on Halloween this year. Today was the indoor trick or treat at Shoppingtown Mall. Tomorrow, might get ’em up and down the street if the weather cooperates.

Yep, they're keepers

Sun, 27 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Quick snap of the fam on a recent warm fall day…

Surprisingly Good!

Fri, 04 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Hotel Transylvania

Being the spooky time of the year, I thought Hotel Transylvania might be a good fit for the kiddos. It was a bit a bit of a gamble with possibility of some stuff being too scary, but both kids were mesmerized the whole way through, with lots of bursts of giggles. I liked it a lot too.

Real Burnouts Podcast

Thu, 03 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0000

The Real Burnouts Podcast

“How many cooks do you need to make hamburger helper?”

Ha!

Non-optimal Start

Tue, 24 Sep 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Upload a lot last night with a sick kiddo.

She’s been coughing a lot lately, but that’s almost normal with her seasonal asthma. She was acting otherwise normal, so I wasn’t too worried about it. When I got home from work yesterday, her brother felt hot (even though he normally runs pretty hot) so I took his temperature. He was normal. Took her temperature on a whim, since I already had the thermometer out, and eek, 101.

Ok, its not just me.

Wed, 04 Sep 2013 00:00:00 +0000

I'd like to thank whoever wrote "Love You Forever" for this morning cry my wife & I are having while reading to our daughter. Holy cow..
— Rutledge Wood (@RutledgeWood) September 4, 2013

Found It!

Wed, 10 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0000

So, a while back, we bought a DVD copy of Jilly’s favorite move, the Muppets Take Manhattan (necessitated by the untimely demise of our DVR’s harddrive, where we stowed a copy for over a year.) We watched it a couple of times, then one day, it went missing.

Crockpot Lasagna

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Sounds kinda strange, but way easier than traditional lasagna, and just about as tasty. Those crazy Duggars may be on to something. Of course, we quarter sized the recipe, since there’s about 18 less people in our house.

Playground?

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Mill Run Park in Manlius. Luke approved.

Boston Marathon Bombing

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Hearing about the attack was particularly troubling for me. I’ve done lots of races over the years. Many were pretty small, but some were fairly big in terms of runners and spectators. Its terrible to think that something like this could have happened at any one of them.

Kid Craziness

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Every time you think you have a handle on kids, they find new ways to make you nuts. Luke had a fever last evening, took a nap, and then ended up going to bed late (10:45). At 2:20, he woke up howling. I was guessing that either his ibuprofen ran out, or a stuffy nose was preventing from enjoying his pacifier.

Big Ole Pile o' Puke with a Roof on It

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Yep, that’s the Crowther house lately.

Both kids were (are?) veritable bombs ready to go off at any time. #2 went off a few time during the day yesterday. #1 waited until the middle of the night, letting go 4 times in 90 minutes (requiring multiple changes of bedding and pajamas.)

Behind The Awkwardness: Vacuum Boy

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Behind The Awkwardness: Vacuum Boy « AwkwardFamilyPhotos.com 03/19/2013.

I swear that could be a picture from the Crowther album. My brother Jim was (and is) a vacuum fanatic. Loved his ‘carpee biz’.

Paul Crowther and the Self-Fulfilling Prophecies

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

The extent of my music playing ability is pushing play. My younger brother got all the music talent. Here’s a clip from one of his recent solo shows:

PAUL CROWTHER AND THE SELF-FULFILLING PROPHECIES @ THE DEV UTICA NY from Zombek on Vimeo.

Start 'em young.

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

There’s a running gag in our house regarding who of us is the most OCD. Recently, for the fun of it, I swapped the tops on two sippy cups sitting out on the counter, putting a blue top on a pink bottle and vice versa.

Another Muppets Favorite

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Giggle from both of the kids.

Booster Seat? Be gone.

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Ok, now we’re done with the booster seat. No injuries yet, ascending and descending our bar height kitchen table chairs.

How Degrading...

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

First, you’ve got me wearing a heart shaped valentine’s themed bib. Second, the bib says first valentines. Third, I’m drinking out of a pink sippy cup. Well, never mind the last one, its way better than the blue one.

4th Meal

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Luke wakes up hungry if he doesn’t have mid evening snack. Tonight its 1/2 a cup of oatmeal, a handful of cheerios, and a handful of goldfish crackers.

iPotty?

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

iPotty Aims To Entertain Toddlers During Toilet Training.

As parent going through the potty training process, I can see this almost making sense. But, I’m still not gonna let my kid go solo with an iPad just yet, even if it is nailed down.

Good Sunday Morning

Sun, 06 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Chocolate chip and M&M oatmeal cookies, from Auntie Em’s cookie kit. Jilly reports that, “they’re the best cookies ever!”

I could see this getting a lot of use in my house...

Sat, 05 Jan 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Revenge of the completely useless machine.

Tea Party, anyone?

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Sorry Christmas tree, its time for you to go to make remove in the living for the new kid table. Thanks Babci, Uncle Paul, and Uncle Jim!

Happy Birthday, Mr. Luke!

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Happy First Birthday, Mr. Luke! Geez, everybody can stop with all the singing. Don’t stop the presents though!

Christmas Tree Decorating by Child Age

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Christmas Tree Decorating by Child Age.

We’re in the toddler phase. We skipped the ‘safe zone’ in favor of fencing off the tree and presents entirely, both for their own protection.

Happy Birthday, Beans!

Sun, 16 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Yesterday was Jilly’s 3rd birthday!

Man, that was a quick 3 years. Can remember taking her home from hospital like it was just yesterday. You don’t know what “they grow up so fast” means until you have your kids.

Happy Thanksgiving

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

We’ve been having a nice quiet morning this Thanksgiving. A big breakfast, then some cartoons and the Macy’s Parade on TV. Also managed to work in a nice walk in the warmer than average November sun. We’re headed to meet up with more family for turkey in a little bit.

Muppets?

Sun, 04 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Jilly approved.

I was flipping channels the other night and spotted _The Muppets Take Manhatten. Watched a few minutes and thought to myself, “hmm, I knew a certain 2 year old that might like this.” So, I DVR’d the next repeat of the movie.

Halloween!

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Got the kids geared up for candy acquisition at Shoppingtown Malloween. Jilly was a butterfly (can’t wait till Babci sees the pics) and Luke was a bear.

At the mall, they changed from candy dispensing at actual stores to a row of tables down the middle of the hall. Trying to decide if it was a better arrangement. Felt like there were a zillion more kids than last year, but it might have just been that everybody was more packed in together. There were some log jams, but all in all, pretty fun for everyone.

More Modern Muppets

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Hmm. Pumpkin pie…

Popcorn?

Habanera

On Parenting...

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Me: “Jilly, please leave that pine cone alone.” Me: “Jilly, please drop that pine cone.” Me: “Jilly, please stop crunching up that pine cone in your hand.” Me: “Jilly, please stop eating that pine cone.”

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

Sat, 18 Aug 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Earlier, we did a family outing to Onondaga Park (not that one, this one.) After some minor frustration with all the one way signs in the park, we figured out that things were a little more convoluted because of some paving going on Roberts Ave which borders the park.

Welcome Luke Leroi Crowther

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

A little ahead of schedule, our second child arrived as an early Christmas present. Introducing Luke Leroi Crowther!

Statistics:

Arrived: 12/24/2011 @ 7:26pm
Weight: 6lbs 10oz
Length: 20"

Both Mother and baby were happy and healthy after launch. Jilly total loves her new “baby brotha” and is always asking to hold him. The cutest thing ever is when he’s crying and she says “Baby Luke, its OK.”

Project Pixel

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

For those not already in the know, the Mrs. and I are expecting again. You can follow all the action and wager when they’ll make the seen at pixel.thecrowthers.info. You can also subscribe to Pixel’s own twitter feed: @babypixelbingo.

Komen wrap up.

Mon, 30 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Just a quick note to thank everyone again for their supremely generous to donations to Komen Breast Cancer Research on behalf of my Mom. I’m very pleased to report that in total $897 was raised, far surpassing the goal of $500. I’m very blessed to have friends and family that are willing to help. Hopefully, someone else won’t have to go through the same troubles in the future.

Help me help a great cause!

Sat, 16 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The Mrs and I have done the Komen Race For the Cure many times in the past in support of friends and family affected by the tragedy of breast cancer. This year the importance got kicked up another notch, with my Mom spending the last 5 months fighting a grueling battle with breast cancer herself. She’s a fighter and is on the road back to normal, but its been new challenges for her and the rest of the family we could have done without.

Good Sunday

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Had a pretty good day today. Spent a bunch of time with Jilly, freeing up the Momma to work on some schoolwork. In the morning, I took her for a stroller ride and the mostly closed mall (the only stores open were Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, and surprisingly the Apple store; filing that away for future reference.)

Insert Poltergeist Theme Here

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0000

You know, the do do do one, right before the girl says, “they’re back…”

We just put Jillian down for a nap. She was kinda sleepy after a naptime bottle, but not ready to completely drop off. So we put her in the crib and left the room. We heard her playing around for a bit, then quiet.

Long Days...

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0000

We think teething is in full effect now. Jilly not all that interested in solid food and it takes a lot of formula to get the same energy. So, she’s been a tired crank the last few days.

Slow down, girl!

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Jilly growing up an almost terrifying rate. First, she no longer fits in her bouncer chair. Then the swing and the Bumbo.

Then, one day she went from rocking with a purpose to full on crawling. Then a day later, we heard ‘Da Da’.