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Home » Family Life

Family Life

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zoë standing with her hands on her hips under a tree

Modeling for Little Skye Children’s Clothing Boutique

December 1, 2015 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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 …

Modeling for Little Skye Children’s Clothing BoutiqueRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, zoe

Collage of family friendly activities in Las Vegas

How to Plan a Las Vegas Family Vacation with Kids

August 11, 2015 //  by Brian Johnson

Are you planning a Las Vegas family vacation? There are so many things to do in Las Vegas with Kids. Read about Vegas hotels, restaurants and …

How to Plan a Las Vegas Family Vacation with KidsRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: las vegas, travel

Zoë climbing on the rainbow bars at the park

Stride Rite Made 2 Play Shoes are Perfect for Active Kids

July 11, 2015 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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 …

Stride Rite Made 2 Play Shoes are Perfect for Active KidsRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: zoe

Zoë and Kaylee in a cave at the San Diego Natural History Museum

Appreciating My Family for Its Unique Qualities + Quirks

May 17, 2015 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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 …

Appreciating My Family for Its Unique Qualities + QuirksRead More

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

Front of the Mazda5 on a mountain road

2015 Mazda5 Review: An Affordable Minivan for Families

May 16, 2015 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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 …

2015 Mazda5 Review: An Affordable Minivan for FamiliesRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: car reviews

Baby Zoë with sour cream all over her face

Appreciating the Beautiful Mess of Parenting

March 12, 2015 //  by Chrystal Johnson

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 …

Appreciating the Beautiful Mess of ParentingRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: life with kids

Kaylee modeling her dress in front of a tree

Kaylee Models Her Janelle Funari Handmade Christmas Dress

November 3, 2014 //  by Chrystal Johnson

My two daughters are very different in how they like dress. Zoë is very much more casual in her style like I am. Kaylee, on the other hand, is a girly …

Kaylee Models Her Janelle Funari Handmade Christmas DressRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee

Kaylee holding first day of pre-school sign

Kaylee’s First Day of Pre-School

October 18, 2014 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I have gone back and forth on whether to send Kaylee to pre-school for a while. After we sent Zoë to Kindergarten last year, Kaylee started …

Kaylee’s First Day of Pre-SchoolRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee

Zoë and Kaylee trying on princess costumes

5 Tips for Acting Like a Real Life Princess

October 14, 2014 //  by Chrystal Johnson

This is a sponsored post we did for Disney on Happy Mothering several years ago. The girls were so cute in it, I just couldn't part with it, so I …

5 Tips for Acting Like a Real Life PrincessRead More

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

MRI Machine

Finally a Diagnosis – Neurocardiogenic Syncope

September 26, 2014 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I finally have a diagnosis - neurocardiogenic syncope. Read about what I went through and what the diagnosis means. Back in May, I shared that I …

Finally a Diagnosis – Neurocardiogenic SyncopeRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal, health updates

Chrystal and Zoë at the Kindergarten Mother's Day Tea

My Beautiful Girl Graduated Kindergarten!

June 25, 2014 //  by Chrystal Johnson

This time last year, we were debating whether we should homeschool, or send Zoë to the small, private school in town for Kindergarten. After a lot of …

My Beautiful Girl Graduated Kindergarten!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: homeschool, zoe

Foot bridge in Big Bear Lake, CA

An Update on My Health: I’m Home From the Hospital

May 15, 2014 //  by Chrystal Johnson

As I shared last weekend in this post, I was admitted to the Telemetry Unit at the hospital on Monday for testing. I had never stayed in the …

An Update on My Health: I’m Home From the HospitalRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal, health updates

Big Bear Lake, CA

I’m Facing Uncertain Health Concerns – Positive Thoughts Appreciated

May 10, 2014 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I have always considered myself to be a very fortunate person who is grateful for everything that I have. My health was always one thing I was …

I’m Facing Uncertain Health Concerns – Positive Thoughts AppreciatedRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: chrystal, health updates

Happy 6th Birthday Zoë!

May 9, 2014 //  by Chrystal Johnson

It's hard to believe this sweet baby... Is now a beautiful little girl... I love you Zoë! Happy Birthday! …

Happy 6th Birthday Zoë!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: birthdays, zoe

Curious George with Zoe's Cataraca invention

Zoë’s Invention Convention

March 22, 2014 //  by Chrystal Johnson

It's Science Fair at schools across the country. Since Zoë is in Kindergarten this year, I wasn't expecting her to have to create a Science Fair …

Zoë’s Invention ConventionRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: zoe

Kaylee blowing out her candles on her 4th birthday

Kaylee’s 4th Birthday Party

February 24, 2014 //  by Chrystal Johnson

My baby turned 4 on Valentine's Day - I can hardly believe it! There has been a lot of illness going around town, so we had a small party with a few …

Kaylee’s 4th Birthday PartyRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: birthdays, kaylee

Chrystal holding Kaylee the day she was born

Happy 4th Birthday to My Sweet Kaylee Monkey!

February 14, 2014 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Four years ago today, I was in the hospital in Uruguay, holding my brand new sweet girl Kaylee, and missing my little Zoë who was staying with some of …

Happy 4th Birthday to My Sweet Kaylee Monkey!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: birthdays, kaylee

Zoë and Kaylee sitting on the brown couch making goofy faces for the camera

My Life Could Be a Show About Kids and Bathroom Adventures

November 16, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I never knew what comedy was before having kids. Seriously, every day in our home is full of laughs and giggles. Not only because we have fun …

My Life Could Be a Show About Kids and Bathroom AdventuresRead More

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

Kaylee sleeping on my chest

Why Co-Sleeping was the Best Sleep Training Method for Us

July 15, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I sit here, late at night after the girls are sound asleep, writing this post. After 5+ years of co-sleeping, I believe that phase of our lives has …

Why Co-Sleeping was the Best Sleep Training Method for UsRead More

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

Zoë sleeping on Chrystal's chest

And Then There Were Three…

May 20, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

See that sweet baby sleeping on my chest? That's Zoë as a newborn. My sweet little 10 lb. 1 oz. baby girl. I can't believe that picture was taken 5 …

And Then There Were Three…Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: life with kids, zoe

Chrystal holding baby Zoe in hospital bed

Happy 5th Birthday Zoë!

May 9, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I can't believe my baby is 5 today! Seriously, where does the time go? I can't believe it was 5 years ago today that she came into our lives and …

Happy 5th Birthday Zoë!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: birthdays, zoe

Zoë and Kaylee snuggling on the couch

20 Wishes For My Daughters

April 3, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

My wishes, hopes and dreams for Zoë and Kaylee are simple – or at least I think they are simple. I know simple and easy aren’t the same thing… …

20 Wishes For My DaughtersRead More

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

Chrystal holding Kaylee the day she was born

Happy 3rd Birthday Kaylee!

February 14, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

It is hard to believe that my sweet girl Kaylee was born exactly 3 years ago today! Valentine's Day took on a whole new meaning when it became her …

Happy 3rd Birthday Kaylee!Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: birthdays, kaylee

Zoe holding Brian in an arm bar with Kaylee playing along

Wordless Wednesday: Daddy’s Tough Girls

January 9, 2013 //  by Chrystal Johnson

…

Wordless Wednesday: Daddy’s Tough GirlsRead More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, self defense, zoe

Zoë and Kaylee with their cousins visiting Santa

Merry Christmas!

December 25, 2012 //  by Chrystal Johnson

I want to wish all of my readers a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year! It has been a wonderful year, and I'm so grateful each and …

Merry Christmas!Read More

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

Zoë and Kaylee bundled up for the snow in 2012

First Real Snow of 2012

December 14, 2012 //  by Chrystal Johnson

Yesterday we had our first real snow of 2012. There was only a light dusting on the ground when I woke up, but it started snowing heavily very shortly …

First Real Snow of 2012Read More

Category: Family LifeTag: kaylee, zoe

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