• Menu
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Before Header

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Our Family Crushes Logo

Living Life on Our Terms

  • Family Life
  • Hobbies
  • Real Talk
  • Adventures
  • About Us
  • Search

Mobile Menu

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Family Life
  • Hobbies
  • Adventures
  • Real Talk
  • About Us
  • Search
Close up of Chrystal sitting by the lake with blue skies and trees in the background

Accepting a Life with Fluoroquinolone Toxicity

September 18, 2020 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Hi, Chrystal here. First off, I want to apologize for going radio silent the last several months. We were completely relieved to find out I don’t have …

Accepting a Life with Fluoroquinolone ToxicityRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal, health updates

Chrystal getting a NCV and EMG at Loma Linda University Medical Center

Bittersweet News About Chrystal’s Diagnosis

October 30, 2019 //  by Brian Johnson

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 …

Bittersweet News About Chrystal’s DiagnosisRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal, health updates

Brian and Chrystal at her Cardiology appointment

Chrystal has a Preliminary Primary Diagnosis

October 5, 2019 //  by Brian Johnson

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 …

Chrystal has a Preliminary Primary DiagnosisRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal, health updates

Brian and Chrystal at the Rheumatologist

Fibromyalgia: A New Secondary Diagnosis

September 25, 2019 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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 …

Fibromyalgia: A New Secondary DiagnosisRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal, health updates, zoe

Brian with his guitar at sunset

Answering Some Questions for You

September 16, 2019 //  by Brian Johnson

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 …

Answering Some Questions for YouRead More

Category: Real TalkTag: chrystal, health updates

Chrystal at her follow up thyroid ultrasound

The Rheumatology, Infectious Disease & Neuromuscular Specialists in My Life

September 9, 2019 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal, health updates

The Johnson family smiling for a picture at the lake

Welcome to Our Family Crushes!

September 9, 2019 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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 …

Welcome to Our Family Crushes!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: business

Brian and Chrystal Johnson smiling

More Doctors. More Tests. More Questions.

April 30, 2019 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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 …

More Doctors. More Tests. More Questions.Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal, health updates

Garden of the Gods walking path in Colorado Springs, CO

6 Best Easy Hikes in Colorado Springs

April 15, 2019 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Thank you to Visit Colorado Springs for sponsoring this post about the best easy hikes in Colorado Springs. I have been dreaming of spring. …

6 Best Easy Hikes in Colorado SpringsRead More

Category: Adventures

Close up of Chrystal in ER bed getting thyroid CT

Thyroid Craziness and More Health Updates

March 26, 2019 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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 …

Thyroid Craziness and More Health UpdatesRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal, health updates

Brian in hospital gown before colonoscopy

Snowboarding Saved Me from Cancer!!!

March 12, 2019 //  by Brian Johnson

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 …

Snowboarding Saved Me from Cancer!!!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: brian, health updates, snowboarding

Close up of Chrystal with yellow and orange background

5 More Diagnoses to Add to Peripheral Neuropathy

March 6, 2019 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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. …

5 More Diagnoses to Add to Peripheral NeuropathyRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal, health updates

Brian, Zoë and Kaylee snowboarding together

How a Dad Communicates with His Daughters Affects Them Forever

February 28, 2019 //  by Brian Johnson

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

Category: Family LifeTag: life with kids

Another close up image of Brian and Chrystal at a doctor's appointment

The Beginning of a Diagnosis

February 8, 2019 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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 …

The Beginning of a DiagnosisRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal, health updates

Chrystal laying in bed

Is This My New Normal?

January 19, 2019 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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 …

Is This My New Normal?Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal, health updates

Close up of Brian and Chrystal at doctor on a Saturday

My Saturdays are Different Than They Used to Be

January 5, 2019 //  by Brian Johnson

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 …

My Saturdays are Different Than They Used to BeRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal, health updates

Zoë and Kaylee snowboarding in full gear

10 Rules for My Girls – A Dad’s Point of View

January 4, 2019 //  by Brian Johnson

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 …

10 Rules for My Girls – A Dad’s Point of ViewRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, life with kids, zoe

Pink sunset behind lake and trees

Some Updates are Harder Than Others!

December 24, 2018 //  by Brian Johnson

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 …

Some Updates are Harder Than Others!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal, health updates

Brian with the girls he coached at USASA Rail Jam

Snowboarding – Broken Bones, Bruised Ribs and a Rail Jam

December 21, 2018 //  by Brian Johnson

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 …

Snowboarding – Broken Bones, Bruised Ribs and a Rail JamRead More

Category: HobbiesTag: snowboarding

Chrystal laying in a hospital bed in September 2018

Having a Sick Wife Changes You

December 16, 2018 //  by Brian Johnson

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 …

Having a Sick Wife Changes YouRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal, health updates, marriage

Brian, Zoë and Kaylee wearing helmets at Bear Mountain

Snowboarding – Safety, Fun, Learning & Communication

December 15, 2018 //  by Brian Johnson

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 …

Snowboarding – Safety, Fun, Learning & CommunicationRead More

Category: HobbiesTag: snowboarding

Instruments for endoscopy or colonoscopy in doctor's hand

GI Procedures Done. Now We Wait.

December 11, 2018 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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 …

GI Procedures Done. Now We Wait.Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal, health updates

Chrystal with wavy hair in bed

A Long Overdue Health Update

November 23, 2018 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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 …

A Long Overdue Health UpdateRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal, health updates

Zoë and friends at the mountain

Super Girl Snow Pro 2018 at Bear Mountain

November 16, 2018 //  by Brian Johnson

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 …

Super Girl Snow Pro 2018 at Bear MountainRead More

Category: HobbiesTag: kaylee, snowboarding, zoe

Zoë and Kaylee holding their snowboards in Mammoth

No “Participation Trophies” in USASA and That’s A Okay!!!

November 15, 2018 //  by Brian Johnson

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

Category: HobbiesTag: kaylee, snowboarding, zoe

Close up of Chrystal's face with headboard in background

My First GI Specialist Appointment & More Doctors

October 23, 2018 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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 …

My First GI Specialist Appointment & More DoctorsRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal, health updates

Close up of Kaylee's eye

“Is Mommy going to die?”

October 18, 2018 //  by Brian Johnson

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 …

“Is Mommy going to die?”Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal, health updates, life with kids

Brian and Chrystal at the doctor's office in Big Bear Lake, CA

Interesting New Info About Chrystal’s Health

October 15, 2018 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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 …

Interesting New Info About Chrystal’s HealthRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal, health updates

Chrystal in bed wearing a brown sweater

Chrystal’s Symptoms & Test Results

October 6, 2018 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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 …

Chrystal’s Symptoms & Test ResultsRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal, health updates

Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego, CA

Sharing our Lives During a Health Crisis

September 25, 2018 //  by Brian Johnson

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 …

Sharing our Lives During a Health CrisisRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal, health updates

Chrystal in a hospital bed with Zoe and Kaylee

The Insanity of Our Healthcare System

September 20, 2018 //  by Brian Johnson

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. …

The Insanity of Our Healthcare SystemRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal, health updates

Dental infection on xray

That Time the Dentist Missed an Infection for Over a Year

September 10, 2018 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal, health updates

Chrystal smiling by lake with sun out

Murphy’s Law in Healthcare

September 7, 2018 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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 …

Murphy’s Law in HealthcareRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal, health updates

Chrystal in front of white blinds

Being Sick is a Test of My Patience

September 6, 2018 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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 …

Being Sick is a Test of My PatienceRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal, health updates

Zoë and Kaylee in front of the red Toyota RAV4 we reviewed

Toyota RAV4 Adventure All Wheel Drive AWD Review

August 21, 2018 //  by Brian Johnson

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 …

Toyota RAV4 Adventure All Wheel Drive AWD ReviewRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: car reviews

Sign that reads, "Health Update: What We Know So Far; Our Family Crushes; @HappyMothering"

Health Update: What We’ve Learned So Far

August 15, 2018 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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 …

Health Update: What We’ve Learned So FarRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal, health updates

Brian and Chrystal driving to functional medicine doctor's appointment

Our First Functional Medicine Doctor’s Appointment

August 1, 2018 //  by Brian Johnson

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 …

Our First Functional Medicine Doctor’s AppointmentRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal, health updates

Brian and Chrystal Johnson; July 2018

Functional Medicine Doctor Appointment on Monday!

July 27, 2018 //  by Brian Johnson

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 …

Functional Medicine Doctor Appointment on Monday!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal, health updates

Chrystal gazing at lake after getting health news

How I’m Braving the World in Yet Another Health Crisis

July 24, 2018 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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 …

How I’m Braving the World in Yet Another Health CrisisRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal, health updates

Front angle of Toyota Highlander Hybrid with green mountains in the background

How the Toyota Highlander Hybrid Won My Heart

March 26, 2018 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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 …

How the Toyota Highlander Hybrid Won My HeartRead More

Category: AdventuresTag: car reviews

Exterior of Extended Stay America hotel in Cypress, CA

What It’s Really Like to Stay at Extended Stay America

March 23, 2018 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Are you curious what it's like to stay at Extended Stay America? Read about our experience traveling to the Extended Stay America Cypress …

What It’s Really Like to Stay at Extended Stay AmericaRead More

Category: Adventures

Zoë, Kaylee, Reese and Nico at Rail Jam

Rail Jamming and Homeschooling

February 22, 2018 //  by Brian Johnson

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 …

Rail Jamming and HomeschoolingRead More

Category: HobbiesTag: homeschool, kaylee, snowboarding, zoe

Side of the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

Hyundai Santa Fe Sport: From the Mountains to the Beach and Back

February 22, 2018 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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

Category: AdventuresTag: car reviews

The Past 30 Days of Snowboarding

February 12, 2018 //  by Brian Johnson

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 …

The Past 30 Days of SnowboardingRead More

Category: HobbiesTag: snowboarding, video

Front angle view of blue Toyota Tacoma in front of the forest

Moms Have Fun Off-Roading in the Toyota Tacoma TRD 4X4 Sport

January 26, 2018 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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

Category: AdventuresTag: car reviews

Zoe and Kaylee Johnson snowboarding at Bear Mountain in Big Bear Lake, CA

We are a Snowboarding Family

January 12, 2018 //  by Brian Johnson

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. …

We are a Snowboarding FamilyRead More

Category: HobbiesTag: snowboarding, video

Family photo in front of the ocean in La Jolla, CA

Pantai Inn Offers a Touch of Bali in La Jolla, CA

November 26, 2017 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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 …

Pantai Inn Offers a Touch of Bali in La Jolla, CARead More

Category: AdventuresTag: san diego, travel

Mazda CX-9 at sunset

Shopping for the Best Family SUV: Mazda CX-9 Review

November 26, 2017 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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 …

Shopping for the Best Family SUV: Mazda CX-9 ReviewRead More

Category: AdventuresTag: car reviews

Side of the Mitsubishi Outlander with mountains and trees in the background

Shopping for the Best AWD SUV: 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Review

November 12, 2017 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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

Category: AdventuresTag: car reviews

Chrystal and Zoë parking in La Jolla Cover for a day of fun

Exploring La Jolla in the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT

September 15, 2017 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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 …

Exploring La Jolla in the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GTRead More

Category: AdventuresTag: chrystal, san diego, travel, zoe

Chrystal and TerriAnn donating pet food to Helen Woodward Animal Hospital in Rancho Santa Fe, CA

That Time I Got to Pay It Forward in San Diego with Hyundai

September 11, 2017 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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

Category: AdventuresTag: chrystal, san diego, travel

Zoë and Kaylee sitting on a quilt under a tree at the park

2017 Back to School Photo Shoot

August 23, 2017 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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 …

2017 Back to School Photo ShootRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: homeschool, kaylee, zoe

Girls free jumping at Sky Zone

Family Summer Bucket List: Sky Zone Trampoline Park

July 31, 2017 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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

Category: AdventuresTag: entertainment, snowboarding

Rustic lobby inside Basecamp Hotel in Tahoe South

My Stay at Basecamp Hotel in South Lake Tahoe

July 27, 2017 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Are you searching for the best hotels in South Lake Tahoe for your vacation? Read about my experience staying at the Basecamp Hotel South …

My Stay at Basecamp Hotel in South Lake TahoeRead More

Category: AdventuresTag: chrystal, travel

Chrystal standing in front of a waterfall in Tahoe South

6 Reasons to Visit Lake Tahoe South This Summer

July 26, 2017 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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 …

6 Reasons to Visit Lake Tahoe South This SummerRead More

Category: AdventuresTag: chrystal, travel

People being drenched with water at Knott's Soak City in Buena Park, CA

9 Best Water Parks in California

June 16, 2017 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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 …

9 Best Water Parks in CaliforniaRead More

Category: Adventures

Zoë and Kaylee with light up swords at Medieval Times in Buena Park, CA

What You Need to Know About Medieval Times Buena Park

June 2, 2017 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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 …

What You Need to Know About Medieval Times Buena ParkRead More

Category: Adventures

Wave Pool at Knott's Soak City in Buena Park, CA

10 Tips for Visiting Knott’s Soak City Water Park

May 26, 2017 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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 …

10 Tips for Visiting Knott’s Soak City Water ParkRead More

Category: Adventures

Side view of gray Mazda3 with nature in the background

Santa Barbara Roadtrip in the 2017 Mazda3 Grand Touring

April 21, 2017 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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

Category: AdventuresTag: car reviews

Medieval Times Dinner Show audience in Buena Park, CA

Family Friendly Activities in Buena Park

December 28, 2016 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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 …

Family Friendly Activities in Buena ParkRead More

Category: Adventures

  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to page 3
  • Go to page 4
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Get Email Updates

Popular Posts

Garden of the Gods walking path in Colorado Springs, CO

6 Best Easy Hikes in Colorado Springs

Downtown Santa Barbara streets lined with Palm Trees

12 Family Friendly Activities in Santa Barbara

Urban Wine Trail sign in Santa Barbara, CA

The Best Way to Go Wine Tasting in Santa Barbara

Recent Posts

  • Accepting a Life with Fluoroquinolone Toxicity
  • Bittersweet News About Chrystal’s Diagnosis
  • Chrystal has a Preliminary Primary Diagnosis
  • Fibromyalgia: A New Secondary Diagnosis
  • Answering Some Questions for You

Our Family History

Site Footer

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2021 Our Family Crushes · All Rights Reserved · Powered by Mai Theme