Hi everyone, it's been a minute since our last update. It’s been a long road to get to the point where we are now and we have a very long journey …
Chrystal has a Preliminary Primary Diagnosis
We had Chrystal’s appointments with the Neuromuscular Specialist and Cardiologist this week. It’s been a difficult week emotionally for all of us. I …
Fibromyalgia: A New Secondary Diagnosis
This week's update is an update for you. Yes, you read correctly, I have a new secondary diagnosis of Fibromyalgia and, on top of that, Zoë is on …
Answering Some Questions for You
Hey everyone, Brian here... thank you, everyone, for following Our Family Crushes. Today I'm going to answer a few questions for you... I might …
The Rheumatology, Infectious Disease & Neuromuscular Specialists in My Life
This is my 1st health update on Our Family Crushes. I'm going to be sharing all of my health updates here from now on as we're breaking Happy …
The Rheumatology, Infectious Disease & Neuromuscular Specialists in My LifeRead More
Welcome to Our Family Crushes!
I know it’s been several months since I’ve written a health update. I’m sorry for going radio silent, but I’ve had a hard time dealing with what’s …
More Doctors. More Tests. More Questions.
More doctors. More tests. More questions. That's pretty much the story of my life right now. If you're new to Happy Mothering, I have been going …
6 Best Easy Hikes in Colorado Springs
Thank you to Visit Colorado Springs for sponsoring this post about the best easy hikes in Colorado Springs. I have been dreaming of spring. …
Thyroid Craziness and More Health Updates
If you've been following on Instagram, then you know that I developed a crazy lump in my neck back on March 4 after Brian's colonoscopy. That night, I …
Snowboarding Saved Me from Cancer!!!
Snowboarding saved me from cancer... not as in it cured me or anything like that... but a crash while snowboarding saved me nonetheless. I've been …
5 More Diagnoses to Add to Peripheral Neuropathy
It's been a few weeks since I shared that I had been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, with fluoroquinolone toxicity being the most likely cause. …
How a Dad Communicates with His Daughters Affects Them Forever
I think how a dad communicates with his daughters is so super important to get right because it literally affects his little girls for the rest of …
How a Dad Communicates with His Daughters Affects Them ForeverRead More
The Beginning of a Diagnosis
After seeing the General Practitioner (GP) over the weekend and the Neurologist on Tuesday, Brian and I hinted on Instagram that we had a partial …
Is This My New Normal?
The house is quiet. I'm the only one home, and all I can do is lay here and wonder if this is my new normal. Will my life always look like it looks …
My Saturdays are Different Than They Used to Be
Another Saturday morning Doctor's Appointment. I've learned a lot In my life I've had a substantial number of ER and doctor visits due to …
10 Rules for My Girls – A Dad’s Point of View
There's nothing better in the world than being "Daddy" to my 2 little girls. It's hands down the best thing I've ever done with my life. I've said …
Some Updates are Harder Than Others!
So I was planning on writing this update this past Friday and I decided to do a little more research before posting. And I needed some time for it to …
Snowboarding – Broken Bones, Bruised Ribs and a Rail Jam
Snowboarding this last week has been one for the books. Broken bones, Bruised Ribs, and a USASA Rail Jam... snowboarding is such an amazingly awesome …
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Having a Sick Wife Changes You
Having a sick wife changes you. Is it for the better or worse? I don't know. All I know is I'm not the same person I was before Chrystal got sick. I …
Snowboarding – Safety, Fun, Learning & Communication
Snowboarding is such an amazingly fun sport and for as fun as it is, it's extremely dangerous. One thing that was drilled into me while I was training …
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GI Procedures Done. Now We Wait.
I'm back with a short update (here's the last one). Over the last week and a half, I've had a hydrogen breath test as well as a colonoscopy and upper …
A Long Overdue Health Update
Hey everyone, I'm sorry I haven't written a health update in a while (here's the last one). There has been a lot of little stuff happening, but no …
Super Girl Snow Pro 2018 at Bear Mountain
In the 3 weeks after the USASA Boardercross Competition, Zoë, Kaylee and I had a whole lot of fun on the mountain preparing for Supergirl Snow …
No “Participation Trophies” in USASA and That’s A Okay!!!
We are super excited as the mountains here in Big Bear are getting ready to open for this season. Quick Background on our history of …
No “Participation Trophies” in USASA and That’s A Okay!!!Read More
My First GI Specialist Appointment & More Doctors
It has only been 8 days since I've written the last health update, but a lot more has happened even in that short time. It has taken long enough, but …
“Is Mommy going to die?”
There's nothing better than being a daddy to my little girls. Being a daddy to my little girls is hands down the best thing I've ever done with my …
Interesting New Info About Chrystal’s Health
Hey everyone! I haven't written a health update in a while (here's the last one) because I didn't have any news to share. I know I have a lot of …
Chrystal’s Symptoms & Test Results
I want to start by thanking everyone for all of the ongoing love, support and prayers that are being said in my name. I feel the energy that you are …
Sharing our Lives During a Health Crisis
Hey everyone, Brian... Chrystal's husband here. Chrystal was discharged from the hospital, I'll get to that soon enough. If you've been following …
The Insanity of Our Healthcare System
How's it going? Brian here. Today is Thursday; if you've been following our social media you know Chrystal was admitted to the hospital on Monday. …
That Time the Dentist Missed an Infection for Over a Year
I learned I've had a dental infection since at least May 2017 when the dentist missed an infection on the xray! Read why I'm both angry and relieved …
That Time the Dentist Missed an Infection for Over a YearRead More
Murphy’s Law in Healthcare
One thing I can't get over is the incompetence in our healthcare system. We have the best technology at our fingertips, yet we've wrapped it up in so …
Being Sick is a Test of My Patience
I haven't shared much about my health recently, other than on Instagram, mainly because there hasn't been much change. We're still in limbo. I'm …
Toyota RAV4 Adventure All Wheel Drive AWD Review
We reviewed the brand new 2018 Toyota RAV4 Adventure All Wheel Drive and what a rad little SUV it is. The RAV4 Adventure Looks The first thing that …
Health Update: What We’ve Learned So Far
Today is exactly two months since we discovered my thyroid was swollen. So much has happened with my health crisis in that time! Before I get into …
Our First Functional Medicine Doctor’s Appointment
I know many of you are curious about how our appointment went with our new Functional Medicine Doctor. If you need context as to what's going on, you …
Functional Medicine Doctor Appointment on Monday!
We see a Functional Medicine Doctor on Monday and we couldn't be more happy or grateful. Hi everyone, Brian here. I'm going to be a lot more active …
How I’m Braving the World in Yet Another Health Crisis
I almost died from cholecystitis and pancreatitis last year. Now I'm facing my next health crisis, a multinodular goiter. Read my story so far… I …
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How the Toyota Highlander Hybrid Won My Heart
We've been shopping for an all wheel drive SUV for a few months now. Read about our experience driving the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. It's a fantastic …
What It’s Really Like to Stay at Extended Stay America
Are you curious what it's like to stay at Extended Stay America? Read about our experience traveling to the Extended Stay America Cypress …
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Rail Jamming and Homeschooling
The past week and a half has been super exciting and we've had lots of fun. Little Miss Kaylee turned 8 last Wednesday on February 14th; yes, she's …
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport: From the Mountains to the Beach and Back
The last month or so has been an absolute whirlwind in my world. Winter always is, but it has been even more so this year. Before last year, we …
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport: From the Mountains to the Beach and BackRead More
The Past 30 Days of Snowboarding
The past month since our last snowboarding post has been a whirlwind of fun, excitement and snowboarding. Zoë and Kaylee have hung out with pros, had …
Moms Have Fun Off-Roading in the Toyota Tacoma TRD 4X4 Sport
Have you ever wanted to go off roading on your own? Read all about my adventure off-roading in the Toyota Tacoma TRD 4x4 Sport - all by …
Moms Have Fun Off-Roading in the Toyota Tacoma TRD 4X4 SportRead More
We are a Snowboarding Family
My name is Brian, I’m the husband of Chrystal (whose blog you’re reading)… you may know me from some of the posts I’ve done on here over the years. …
Pantai Inn Offers a Touch of Bali in La Jolla, CA
Are you searching for the best hotel in La Jolla, CA? The Pantai Inn offers sweeping ocean views, amazing service and the best location in the …
Shopping for the Best Family SUV: Mazda CX-9 Review
Are you shopping for the best family SUV with all wheel drive? Check out our review of the Mazda CX-9 to see if it's right for you. If you've …
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Shopping for the Best AWD SUV: 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Review
Are you shopping for the best AWD SUV on the market? Read our review of the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander GT to see if it has the features your family …
Shopping for the Best AWD SUV: 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander ReviewRead More
Exploring La Jolla in the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT
When you're exploring a town like La Jolla, you need the right car. Learn about the Hyundai Elantra GT and see all the fun Zoë and I had on our day …
That Time I Got to Pay It Forward in San Diego with Hyundai
I love companies that pay it forward to the community. Read how I got to pay it forward in the 2018 Hyundai Sonata while touring my hometown of San …
That Time I Got to Pay It Forward in San Diego with HyundaiRead More
2017 Back to School Photo Shoot
I'm trying to come to grips with the fact that summer is almost over. We're finally done moving stuff from the old house to the new house. So we'll be …
Family Summer Bucket List: Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Are you looking for a fun summertime activity for the whole family that's a bit out of the norm? Read about our sponsored adventure at Sky Zone …
Family Summer Bucket List: Sky Zone Trampoline ParkRead More
My Stay at Basecamp Hotel in South Lake Tahoe
Are you searching for the best hotels in South Lake Tahoe for your vacation? Read about my experience staying at the Basecamp Hotel South …
6 Reasons to Visit Lake Tahoe South This Summer
Thank you to Tahoe South for sponsoring this amazing trip and sharing all of their knowledge about why Lake Tahoe South is the ultimate summer travel …
9 Best Water Parks in California
Are you looking for fun family activities in California for summer? Check out our list of the best water parks in California and share your …
What You Need to Know About Medieval Times Buena Park
Planning a family vacation to Buena Park, CA? Medieval Times Buena Park location is a common tourist attraction. Here's what you need to know before …
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10 Tips for Visiting Knott’s Soak City Water Park
Are you planning a trip to Knott’s Soak City in Buena Park? It's a really fun family vacation idea if you're in the Southern California …
Santa Barbara Roadtrip in the 2017 Mazda3 Grand Touring
Are you in the market for a new car? Check out my experience driving the 2017 Mazda3 Grand Touring on a roadtrip to Santa Barbara. Normally …
Santa Barbara Roadtrip in the 2017 Mazda3 Grand TouringRead More
Family Friendly Activities in Buena Park
Are you planning a family vacation to Buena Park, CA? There are so many family friendly activities in Buena Park you many not have heard of! I …
Hotels Near Knott’s Berry Farm: Marriott Courtyard Buena Park
Are you looking for hotels near Knott's Berry Farm? The Marriott Courtyard Buena Park is just down the street. It's clean, comfortable & has great …
Hotels Near Knott’s Berry Farm: Marriott Courtyard Buena ParkRead More