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 …
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 …
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 …
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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 …
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. …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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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 …
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 …
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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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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Homeschooling at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Are you a homeschooling family looking for fun, educational field trip ideas? Check out our recommendations for homeschooling at the Monterey Bay …
Pirate’s Dinner Adventure Christmas Show
Are you looking for family fun in Buena Park, CA? The Pirate's Dinner Adventure Show is where it's at! You get a meal and an interactive show for one …
Create Family Memories at Knott’s Merry Farm
Are you looking for a fun way to create family memories in Southern California? Knott's Merry Farm is full of fun activities, thrills and holiday …
Four Seasons Westlake Village Let It Snow Event
Looking for a magical holiday experience for your family to enjoy? The Winter Wonderland Package at the Four Seasons Westlake Village is so much …
An Evening of Divine Food and Wine Tasting in Carmel and Monterey
Are you planning a vacation to Carmel and Monterey, CA soon? Then you'll want to enjoy the wonderful dining and wine tasting in Carmel and …
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12 Family Friendly Activities in Santa Barbara
Thank you to Visit Santa Barbara for helping us coordinate our trip to Santa Barbara and suggesting so many great family friendly activities in Santa …
The Best Way to Go Wine Tasting in Santa Barbara
Thank you to Visit Santa Barbara for coordinating our adventures in wine tasting in Santa Barbara on the Urban Wine Trail! Do you enjoy going wine …
Is the 2016 Kia Soul Right for You?
It's been 2 years since I last drove a Kia Soul. Last month I had the opportunity to drive a 2016 Kia Soul for a week, and I have to say it was pretty …
2016 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD: A Great Compact SUV for Families
I have had the pleasure of test driving many SUVs and Compact SUVs over the last few years. I have very much enjoyed some of them and others have …
2016 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD: A Great Compact SUV for FamiliesRead More
Mommy Daughter Road Trips to Knott’s Merry Farm & Aquarium of the Pacific
The girls and I have got quite a routine down with our road trips. We've been doing more and more together, even when Daddy is out of town, and we …
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Modeling for Little Skye Children’s Clothing Boutique
This was a sponsored post we did for Little Skye Children's Clothing Boutique that was originally published on Happy Mothering. Since this was a …
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Things to Do in Boulder on a Girls Weekend Getaway
In college, I had two very best friends. The 3 of us were inseparable. If it happened that only 2 of us were out and about on campus, people asked …
2016 Kia Sorento SXL: Nearly Perfect for Our Lifestyle
A couple years ago, I had the opportunity to drive the 2014 Kia Sorento and absolutely fell in love with it. If I could have kept that Kia Sorento, I …
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Kia Sportage SX: My New Favorite Crossover SUV
I have made no effort to hide how much I love the Kia vehicles I have driven. I finally had the chance to drive the 2015 Kia Sportage SX. It did not …
Stride Rite Made 2 Play Shoes are Perfect for Active Kids
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Stride Rite that was originally published on Happy Mothering. Zoë loved modeling for photos when …
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Family Friendly Museums in San Diego
Thank you to the San Diego Tourism Authority for providing us with 2 Media Passes for some of these San Diego attractions and museums. Can you …
Appreciating My Family for Its Unique Qualities + Quirks
All families have their own unique qualities and quirks that define who they are. My family is no different. I grew up in a family where there was …
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2015 Mazda5 Review: An Affordable Minivan for Families
Do you know how long it's been since Brian and I had the opportunity to spend a weekend away from home without the girls? Well, I think it was …
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San Diego Road Trip in the Hyundai Sonata Limited
Over Spring Break, the girls and I decided to go spend a week in San Diego. We did lots of fun stuff, spent lots of time with family and I got to …
Appreciating the Beautiful Mess of Parenting
Parenting is the greatest thing I've ever done in my life, but that doesn't mean it's not a mess... a very beautiful mess. We all have our ups …
Get in Touch with Nature at Your Local Park
Today, we're all very connected - electronically. Technology seems to have taken over our lives. Instead of meeting for lunch, we chat on Facebook. …