tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-214643342024-03-23T13:58:22.994-04:00MoiCrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12520220164718625734noreply@blogger.comBlogger191125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21464334.post-48392986243181320072011-05-21T23:18:00.002-04:002011-05-21T23:58:53.267-04:00The birth storyLet me start out by saying how incredibly thankful to God I am for Anderson. After a year and a half of unsuccessfully trying to get pregnant I ended up quitting my highly stressful job. I had prayed about leaving for months and when I did leave I ended up pregnant a month later. On August 16th, 2010 we found out through 3 positive pregnancy tests that we had a little bun in the oven :). I had a great pregnancy for the first 7 1/2 months. In fact, I didn't even know I was pregnant at first. No morning sickness, no heartburn, no being more tired then usual (although that came a little later). God really blessed me with a great first and second trimester and part of the third. At 7 1/2 months I realized that I was starting to swell. It ended up getting worse and worse and at 37 weeks my blood pressure started to rise. On Friday, April 8th I ended up in the hospital with severe pre eclampsia and very high blood pressure. So Caleb and I were scheduled to come in the following Monday to have my water broke. We arrived Monday morning at 7:30 and they got us into a hospital room. We were very excited and nervous about becoming parents. At 10:30 am the doctor came in and broke my water and I started to contract every 2-3 minutes. At this point the contractions were quite tolerable. I was on Facebook constantly updating and Caleb brought his laptop so we could watch movies. About 2 hours into labor I felt sleepy and was actually sleeping in between contractions (which was great). Around 11 the nurse came in and told me that the doc suggested inducing me but that I had the right to say no which I did. I really wanted to do everything as naturally as possible. But my contractions ended up stopping and I was not dilating. Then around noon they came and took my blood and found out that my kidneys were infected from all the water in my body. The doc said that they really needed to induce me so I could deliver quicker. At this point common sense kicked in and I went along with it. So after about 6 hours of natural active labor I was induced. It took about 30 minutes for me to feel the contractions become more intense. And they definitely did. I held out for a few hours and then the pitocin caused my contractions to come every 30 seconds for an hour and half. I was in agony with no break between the contractions. I did not want an epidural but the pain was causing me to shake violently. Caleb started to pace the floor and I could tell he was worried. I prayed about the epidural and asked God to literally tell me what to do since I felt that I was in no position to make a decision. That was when Caleb came over and said "Honey, get my kid out as safe as you can. Get the epidural, you don't have to prove anything to anyone." And 45 minutes later the epidural was administered. I had an hour of complete pain relief and then....my epidural FAILED. So, I pretty much had a natural birth anyways LOL. When I got the epi at 7:30 pm I was 4 cm dilated. At 10:00 the nursed checked me and I was at 9 cm. They had me do some "practice pushes" and then 30 minutes later I was 10cm and ready to go. After almost 13 hours of labor on April 11th, at 11:36 pm weighing in at 7 lbs 14 oz and measuring 20 inches long Anderson Gage Schuster made his debut. They cleaned him up and placed him on my chest and we fell head over heals in love with our precious baby boy. And we knew that our lives would never be the same again.Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12520220164718625734noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21464334.post-50827364430920013782010-12-01T12:53:00.001-05:002010-12-01T12:53:57.324-05:00It's a BOY!!!Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12520220164718625734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21464334.post-90053821835427463522010-08-20T16:25:00.000-04:002010-08-20T16:26:06.499-04:00Just wanted to let my bloggy buddies know...That I'm pregnant!!!!Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12520220164718625734noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21464334.post-63241973708137872012009-10-31T11:29:00.003-04:002009-10-31T11:30:40.683-04:00All moved in!We are all moved into our new house! It's so beautiful and peaceful out here. As I am writing this we have at least half a dozen geese swimming in our pond. I cannot wait until all the little remodeling things are done and we are completely unpacked. Looking forward to an awesome housewarming party too!Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12520220164718625734noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21464334.post-60673527928477167472009-07-22T18:39:00.001-04:002009-07-22T18:39:46.894-04:00We bought a house!!!Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12520220164718625734noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21464334.post-32073318200185495192009-07-09T21:34:00.001-04:002009-07-09T21:37:53.310-04:00Prayers requestedHello bloggy buds! Just wanted to let you know that I am having surgery for endometriosis tomorrow morning at Medina Hospital. It's nothing major but every surgery is complicated. So if you could keep me in your prayers I would appreciate it! Thanks!Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12520220164718625734noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21464334.post-46939364779161729412009-06-29T01:58:00.002-04:002009-06-29T02:15:00.142-04:00I've learned my lessonThe other day I spent the afternoon swimming and lounging by the pool. I used sunscreen but did not check the SPF. I also did not notice that it had expired. Let me just say OUCH. I got one of the worst sunburns I've ever had in my life. For the past 3 days I have had excrutiating pain, very little sleep and even dizzyness and vomiting. I will never make the mistake of <i>assuming</i> that my sunscreen is going to protect me fully. From now on I will buy the highest SPF I can find and make sure the expiration date is far far away. The good news is that I didn't develop any blisters and I've been fortunate to be able to allow myself to relax and heal for the last few days. I've gotten lots of tips on how to ease the pain (thanks gma Geri!) and it won't be long until the pain is gone and I'm sporting a real nice tan. But I will definitely be much more careful from now on. Let this be a lesson to you blog buds. The sun's rays are much harsher nowadays due to the thinning of our atmosphere. Always use the highest SPF sunblock and check the exp. date. Dont' stay out in the sun for longer than an hour at a time. Reapply, reapply, reapply. And remember to have a fun and SAFE summer!Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12520220164718625734noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21464334.post-7014107596575996222009-06-03T18:59:00.001-04:002009-06-03T18:59:54.999-04:00UghI have the flu...again...ugh!Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12520220164718625734noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21464334.post-87612017604679968922009-03-31T18:52:00.002-04:002009-03-31T18:55:25.217-04:00The flu is no funSore throat, body aches, fever, the works. I hope it goes away soon!Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12520220164718625734noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21464334.post-31436833134602682332009-03-24T10:47:00.003-04:002009-03-24T10:51:46.967-04:00Hello BlogOh, my trusty old blog friend. How are you? I'm sorry I've neglected you. It's just that face book reeled me in with it's evil little clutches. Now I'm addicted. But you, my loyal blog, have been patiently waiting for my return. It has been a long time, but here I finally am. And I won't neglect you anymore. Forgive me?Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12520220164718625734noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21464334.post-13317035028842720562009-01-01T19:36:00.000-05:002009-01-01T19:37:00.920-05:00HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTsPiOuqxMDa7rdju-y3YLNilgAsaOFA4zvriXlGA630Rqz16S9cfse-chZIIGayZWfMn7BkWP_X1RsnO7MzPuhGwQxXO43kmErs201y4plDVmvSvXSBhiFzT7Z78_WrHRWhr/s1600-h/2009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286488855028088482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTsPiOuqxMDa7rdju-y3YLNilgAsaOFA4zvriXlGA630Rqz16S9cfse-chZIIGayZWfMn7BkWP_X1RsnO7MzPuhGwQxXO43kmErs201y4plDVmvSvXSBhiFzT7Z78_WrHRWhr/s320/2009.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12520220164718625734noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21464334.post-81593780868543780602008-12-25T21:49:00.002-05:002008-12-25T21:55:54.564-05:00Merry Christmas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAxR8yagMIA0bmXJDs8Oux7sEqoeV2R6g9WTROLXOfsPJRO9rRJUlBr303x2bpE1NzbrMO1dUMVmW5FegpH-Ehp38gkLtW7k7azvbeoudNhwnwlcgDUf3EVeF7aMF8ZyaphFy/s1600-h/happy_birthday_jesus_sign_2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283927085963618194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 223px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 168px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAxR8yagMIA0bmXJDs8Oux7sEqoeV2R6g9WTROLXOfsPJRO9rRJUlBr303x2bpE1NzbrMO1dUMVmW5FegpH-Ehp38gkLtW7k7azvbeoudNhwnwlcgDUf3EVeF7aMF8ZyaphFy/s320/happy_birthday_jesus_sign_2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12520220164718625734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21464334.post-12268260291097980222008-12-16T11:49:00.002-05:002008-12-16T12:15:56.021-05:00Slow Cooker Savory Pot RoastHere is another recipe for sharing! I LOVE the Campbell's soup recipes because they're so EASY!<br /><br />From: Campbell's Kitchen<br />Prep: 10 minutesCook: 8 hours<br />Serves: 6<br />Ingredients:<br />1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (Regular, 98% Fat Free or 25% Less Sodium)<br />1 pouch (2 ounces) dry onion soup & recipe mix<br />6 small red potatoes, cut in half<br />1 package of baby carrots<br />3 celery stalks cut into pieces<br />3 -to 3 1/2-pound boneless beef bottom round roasts or chuck pot roast<br /><br />Directions:<br />Stir the soup, onion soup mix, potatoes and carrots in a 4 1/2-quart slow cooker. Add the beef and turn to coat.<br />Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 9 hours* or until the beef is fork-tender.<br />*Or on HIGH for 5 to 6 hours.<br /><br />For lots of gravy and to keep the roast from drying out, add a few ice cubes on top before starting the crock pot. Enjoy!Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12520220164718625734noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21464334.post-42973691601555250912008-12-10T11:27:00.002-05:002008-12-10T11:29:53.044-05:00Peekaboo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUiwvYL047Uzn4da39xg0w3K65zzfgxiy3lBWkbZpnQ2cSkhLj9P9LTVf5_Vvwxtib0wUw3PfIOt7-PWqLEueaIIDM2ABuvyq4n_hz099nJx17WHgyvXMdVWfKGyjt139zeZ7b/s1600-h/PC100002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278199458888339506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUiwvYL047Uzn4da39xg0w3K65zzfgxiy3lBWkbZpnQ2cSkhLj9P9LTVf5_Vvwxtib0wUw3PfIOt7-PWqLEueaIIDM2ABuvyq4n_hz099nJx17WHgyvXMdVWfKGyjt139zeZ7b/s320/PC100002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12520220164718625734noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21464334.post-70393263446456286942008-12-01T19:31:00.005-05:002008-12-01T19:57:39.270-05:00Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree...This is our little tree that we just put up tonight. It's our first Christmas tree as a married couple. So it's pretty special to us. I'ts not much, but it's ours, and I love it!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274990082373055058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77QG_Yo1Yq9vqLpobxeIFyVDLWZomyWn2GhsaKnwPwmdZ19HYa9A_dL0l7BkOdbQnbq47eS70booe6EEVKwv9JTma105inRtqxSoesPzpgS7pJ2OwCsSLS_-wxmNzmwzUkAYw/s400/PC010177.JPG" border="0" />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12520220164718625734noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21464334.post-82946157799056163662008-11-27T12:35:00.003-05:002008-11-27T12:37:56.585-05:00Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273392893858048066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 319px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wD385fmjkVini0VASRn21C-DeHkfYsSdXnzUXtZQFplPafNEfoaESZzJPd6JmyH0Xoo9qia20FhRvgNdKQ8YQBVi_eWFyKVqUwfPc3wGkmfEEzTn1bR_X5fG_PN52XpJndri/s320/thanksgiving+feast.bmp" border="0" /><br /><div> </div>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12520220164718625734noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21464334.post-91577521147231385582008-11-17T13:52:00.004-05:002008-11-17T14:09:03.209-05:00Let it snow, let it snow, let it snowThis is the view from outside my window today. They're calling for up to half a foot of snow by tomorrow night! Yikes!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269705494746996946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSA-XhhEf-g-HCG681kfWnqlyETbZVlUUIU74zrPTHhRn6PDNLOpIChZvVbDOHu935xAl6d3MwsrnA-eynLf3x5qPHVrNjrbORE0oWaFKWxRp4dFiMqwvzGX19PvSzJQVf2PGb/s320/PB170160.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12520220164718625734noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21464334.post-68355178878553343082008-11-10T21:15:00.002-05:002008-11-10T21:36:00.483-05:00Another glimpse into my mind...What would you be if you could be ...<br /><br />A Vegetable:Broccoli, they look like little trees!<br />An Animal:A Chameleon, so I can blend in anywhere<br />A Fruit:A stair fruit<br />A Color:Purple, my favorite<br />A Household Object:A Blender, to make tasty fruit drinks<br />Article of Clothing:A Sweater<br />A Drink:Crystal light...it's become my nickname at work<br />A Cartoon Character:Sleeping beauty<br />A Car:A stang baby!<br />A City:Portland, OR<br />A Country:Good ol' USA<br />A Mythical Creature:Pegasus<br />A Chocolate Bar:Twix<br />A Book:Anything by Nora Roberts<br />A Sport:Tennis<br />A Word:Supercalafragillisticexpealadocious HA!<br /><br />I tag Margo, Donna, and just for fun my hubby. Let me know if you played!Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12520220164718625734noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21464334.post-85239489765294568152008-11-06T20:19:00.002-05:002008-11-06T21:01:43.247-05:00TagI love these! Especially when I get to brag about my husband :)<br /><br />1) Where did you meet? Online while he was serving as a military police officer in Iraq.<br />2) How long did you date before you got married? 11 months dating, 1 year engaged. <br />3) How long have you been married? Just celebrated 3 years this past September.<br />4) What is your favorite feature of his? *Sigh* there are so many...but I'd have to say it's a tie between his smile and his eyes.<br />5) What is your favorite quality of his? His work ethic. <br />6) Does he have a nickname for you? Not really. He calls me just about all the usual things like honey, babe, etc.<br />7) What is his favorite food? He absolutely loves pasta of any kind. Especially his version of chicken <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">alfredo</span>.<br />8) What is his favorite sport? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Airsoft</span>, hands down.<br />9) When and where was your first kiss? February 2004, in his parent's living room.<br />10) What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? We love to have these days where we sleep in and then we lay around all day in our pj's and watch like entire seasons of our favorite <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">TV</span> shows.<br />11) Do you have any children? Not yet. We are working on that though :)<br />12) Does he have a hidden talent? Well, it's not exactly hidden anymore, but he has an awesome eye for photography. In fact, because of all the recent gigs we've had, Caleb has made back almost everything he spent to get our business started. Which is so exciting!<br />13) How old is he? 25 (Oct. 9<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span>)<br />14) Who said "I love you" first? He did. We started saying I love you in our letters and emails to each other.<br />15) What is his favorite type of music? He loves movie theme music.<br />16) What do you admire the most about him? The fact that he is comfortable with who he is. He never tries to be someone he's not and has always been true to himself.<br />17) Do you think he will read this? There's a good chance he will. He'll read it sooner if I say it's about him :)Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12520220164718625734noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21464334.post-54874319069680274262008-11-03T19:03:00.002-05:002008-11-03T19:09:52.861-05:00HelloHi! Just a little post to say I'm still alive. I'm just REALLY busy right now. I've also been feeling a little under the weather. Nothing serious, just a little ear infection. But I haven't forgotten about you (especially you Margo!). I will post something more interesting soon...I promise!Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12520220164718625734noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21464334.post-3671190869049471262008-10-14T17:09:00.002-04:002008-10-14T21:10:27.975-04:00He's doneMy dear husband as of today, October 14th 2008, is officially done with the army! He is no longer a name on a list to be called to duty and we are absolutely thrilled. This is starting to be such an exciting new season in our lives and we are definitely looking forward to what God has in store for us. Just thought I'd let y'all know the good news!Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12520220164718625734noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21464334.post-45105608155384471312008-10-12T19:46:00.002-04:002008-10-12T20:05:08.719-04:00Halfway there...but not the way to get thereSo last night Caleb took me to my fav restaurant Carrabba's (not my fav anymore though). About 2 hours after we ate I started getting excrutiating stomach pain. The pains were so bad that it literally paralyzed me. I couldn't breathe, move, or speak. Caleb was ready to carry me to the car and take me to the hospital, but since I am stubborn I told him to just give me 5 minutes. After 20 minutes spent in the bathroom emptying everything from my body, I just ended up going to bed. After getting up this morning, I looked at myself and noticed I looked a little thinner. I weighed myself and realized that in 12 hours I had lost 2 lbs. Even though I never want to go through that again, it made me realize that I'm almost halfway to my weight loss goal. Since May I've lost almost 15 pounds! I also realized that eating crap does something to your body. I ate so much crap last night and even though I shouldn't have ended up with what I believe was food poisoning, eating good, wholesome food is so important. I don't think I'll be eating at Carrabba's for a very long time, if ever. That probably makes Caleb happy. I can be an expensive date!Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12520220164718625734noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21464334.post-69159915358936666662008-10-04T20:08:00.002-04:002008-10-04T20:33:11.936-04:00Calling all prayer warriorsHey everyone. My family is very much in need of prayer. I just found out today that my aunt, whom I love dearly and am very close to has parkinson's disease. A few months ago we noticed that she was having trouble walking, but we thought that her feet were just sore from working. But she also started having other problems and was diagnosed today. I just read up on some information about it and I'm having a very difficult time dealing with this. She is still young ( early 60's ) but she's living in the body of a much more elderly person. She is no longer able to work and will need extra help taking care of her son ( he had a seizure over a year ago that caused such bad spasms that his back broke. He has been in constant pain ever since and is now having to use a walker and is stuck in a back brace all the time. Please pray for him too. ) I've been crying for a while now and am leaning very much so on God at this time. Please pray for healing for her and my cousin. I love them so much and it's so hard knowing that I can't do anything but pray ( although I know that prayer does work and that God has His timing ). Even though this is hard I do have some good news. My cousin may be able to have surgery that can get him out of his back brace and help him lead a normal life! So spread the word. The more prayer, the more power. I hope and pray that God uses them and their situation for good. He is a good God and I know that He will be there for my family.Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12520220164718625734noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21464334.post-58699512666605385202008-09-24T17:26:00.003-04:002008-09-24T17:38:23.595-04:003 yearsWow. 3 years. I just keep saying it to myself. Today is our 3rd wedding anniversary. We are heading out here soon to go have dinner and then we're off to Cedar Point tomorrow! We will be staying in Sandusky until Saturday. We are also excited because we are now actively trying for a baby! Our life is an adventure right now and we are blessed beyond what we could ever have imagined. Thanks to all of our friends and family who have prayed for our marriage and have been a lifeline to us. We wouldn't be going as strong without you. Well, we are just about ready to leave so au revoir everyone! See you in 3 days!Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12520220164718625734noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21464334.post-41509931092446336102008-09-06T14:14:00.002-04:002008-09-06T14:21:16.829-04:002nd jobSo, I started a new job with Mary Kay. I'm still with my old job right now as a surgical assistant, but wanted to do this as well. My friend Roberta (hey girl!) recruited me last week. She told me that she started with them and was already doing well, so I thought eh, what the heck? So this week I'll be receiving my starter kit and can start throwing parties! I've decided that when Caleb and I have our babies, I wanted to stay home with them but I also wanted to bring in an income. When Roberta told me about Mary Kay, I knew that God was opening a door for me. I wanted to start it now so that when we do have our first child, I can quit my assisting job and be well established with Mary Kay. I have a feeling this will be a fun journey! Wish me luck!Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12520220164718625734noreply@blogger.com5