From the time I was a teenager, all I wanted was to be a mama. Not just a momโbut a stay-at-home mom. I didnโt know exactly how it would happen, but I knew that was my calling.
Now, Iโll admit, I also dreamed of being a rock star (and yes, I still love to grab the mic any chance I get). But deep down, home and family were always the dream that never left me.
I was blessed with four amazing kids, and I couldnโt have lived that dream without Quintin. We were junior high sweethearts, married young, and knew early on that family would be at the center of our lives. When I was only 16, I told him, โIf weโre gonna move forward in this relationship, I need to know youโre okay with me being a stay-at-home mom someday.โ
He loved to retell that story, shaking his head with a smileโโShe was only 16, already planning it all out loud. But that was Lori. She knew what she wanted. And I knew I wanted to be the one to help make it happen.โ
For years, we followed the traditional pathโcareers, kids, responsibilities. I stayed home with the kids, and Quintin dove into the banking world, working 60+ hours a week to provide for us. We were survivingโฆ but we werenโt really living.
I slowly lost myself in the daily roles of motherhood, and Quintin, though doing what he thought he was โsupposedโ to do, was exhausted, disconnected, and missing out on the very life he was working so hard to support.
Everything began to shift when I found an opportunity that allowed me to work from home in social media. At first, I didnโt set out to build a businessโI just wanted to rediscover myself. But filling my own cup began to overflow into our marriage, our family, and eventually gave Quintin the courage to step away from the grind and come home.
Together, we started something new. Not just a business, but a mission:
Reclaiming the Table.
We realized what weโd been missing all alongโtime together. Conversations over dinner. Laughter with our kids. Those meaningful, ordinary moments that donโt just happenโyou have to choose them.
So, we reclaimed the table.
Dinner became sacred. Family time became a priority. Our work revolved around our life, not the other way around.
Thatโs the legacy Quintin leaves behind: a father who showed up, a husband who came home, a man who believed that no paycheck was worth more than presence. He used to say, โYou donโt have to be a cranky banker. Thereโs a better way.โAnd we found it.
We built a life where both of us had our identities, our purpose, and our partnership intact. And we built it around our tableโwith our four kids at the heart of it all.
But in 2024, right before our 25th wedding anniversary, Quintin went home to be with the Lord. Thereโs no way to prepare for that kind of loss. Some days it still doesnโt feel real. But what comforts me most is knowing we lived with intention. We chose each other. We built a life that truly mattered.
And thatโs why I continue forward with what we began.
Today, Crazy Busy Mama carries our story and our mission into the lives of others. Itโs a space where I share recipes, cookbooks, kitchen hacks, and fun merch like mugs and tees. But itโs also where I show up for my โcoffee chatsโโsharing my heart, my faith, and the lessons God is teaching me as I walk this journey of motherhood and now this journey of grief.
Crazy Busy Mama isnโt just a business. Itโs the continuation of what Quintin and I built together: a reminder that love is found in the ordinary, that the table is where connection happens, and that even in the chaos, family is always worth fighting for.
Quintin may no longer be physically here, but his heart is in every meal we share, every bedtime story, every walk with our kids. And through Crazy Busy Mama, his legacy lives onโencouraging other families to slow down, reclaim their tables, and build lives that truly matter.
So this is us. This is our story. And this is why I keep going.
For him. For our kids.
For every family out there longing for more time, more peace, and more connection.
Because there is a better way.
Every morning, I wake up and share a bit of my heart on my socials. If you are not following me on instagram, you can do so HERE and in this season specifically I am sharing my grief journey. Praying that I can share hope in the midst of my pain and how you too can find purpose in the midst of your valley by remembering Whose you are and who holds you! For those who would like to take a listen you can do so below.
So thankful for your encouragement each day!
your support means the world to me.
Also, I'd love to know how long you have been following our story! Please let me know in the comments below!
Much encouragement and love- Lori โ๏ธ
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I’ve been following you for about a year! Love your posts!
I started following you Spring 2025 as you shared the good and bad during the coffee talks of your grief and faith walk after losing your husband. The two of you led a wonderfully blessed life together.
I started following after my daughter told me of your husbands passing. She knew your family through church. I believe your sister Tonya used to spend time at our house. I think your doing a wonderful job raising your children while dealing with your grief.๐๐ผโค๏ธ
Iโve been following you for at least four, maybe five years. I first saw a recipe you posted for a sheet pan dish, and have enjoyed following you, and your precious family, ever since.
Iโve been following you for at least four, maybe five years. I first saw a recipe you posted on Facebook for a sheet pan dish, and have enjoyed following you, and your precious family, ever since.
I have been following for a couple years or more.
I started following you in 2023. Ordered one of your cookbooks. Watched your videos. Loved seeing Quinton a part of many. I felt like I lost a good friend when he left us. Like you, I rejoice in knowing forever we all will be as Christians. Thank you for sharing your story! Keep sharing and letting the world Who holds you up every day!
I started following you after my sweetheart died on February 9,2025 I watched her die for 4 days it was brutal and devastating I’m so lost without my sweetheart she was given less than 6 months and died 10 days later. I took care of her the last year and a half I didn’t know she was dying. We were gonna travel and get married
She asked me to marry her i said yes of course sweetheart
I started following you prior to Qs passing but I cant pinpoint when. I appreciate your vulnerability and sharing life with us whether its happy or sad. It shows people that we all have those moments.
Hi Lori! I love your story and how youโre using your grief to reach people for the glory of Jesus. I pray for you and your kids often! I started following you shortly before Quintinโs homegoing.
Shortly before Qโs passing. I am so sorry he has passed on. I too would love to know how to build a successful business. Perhaps another topic to share later.
I started following you about two years ago and you are a blessing to me every day on โour morning coffeeโ. I check on you every day with a small prayer for you and your precious family! You are doing a great job!
Iโve been following you only a couple months. Saw a post where you were crying and trying and seeing your hearts cry to find some solid ground while walking in quick sand made me have such respect for you a complete stranger. I have prayed for you and your children ever since. Keep on believing and sharing b/c you and yours are a true inspiration!
Hello Lori. I started following you prior to Qโs passing. I canโt remember when. I think at least 6 months prior. I always enjoyed watching you both together and separately. Your sharing your journey and experiences is so inspiring. I admire your faith and love for Jesus and your family. Thank you for sharing these moments with us. May God continue to bless you and your family. As always you all are in my prayers.
Hi Lori – I started seeing your posts when Apollo was missing (which broke me heart). Your story spoke to my inner being and I must admit has brought me a renewed sense of the spirit of God. You are so brave to share the ups and downs of your life that everyone can relate to. Wishing you God’s blessings and grace.
Hi Lori, I started following you in December of 2024. The first video I saw just broke my heart, and I’ve been watching you ever since. I pray for you and your children daily. You are such an inspiration and your faith is amazing!! May God bless you and yours and may you feel his love and presence in your life every day. We all care about you!! You are beautiful inside and out ๐
I saw you CBM reels a few years ago and enjoyed the quick and easy meal recipes.
Hi Lori! I started following you during Covid when I was off work for two years. I always got excited when Quintin came on because I loved seeing the two of you together and all your excitement and happiness. I was just as shocked as anyone when the terrible news came across. I pray for you and your family often and I know youโre doing Godโs work through Q and this terrible loss. You are helping more people than you could ever possibly know but I cannot imagine the pain youโre going through. I have had many tears fall for you and your babyโs and itโs so difficult to understand. However, pointing people to Jesus through your grief is such a noble thing. In our Bible study this summer we have studied the short book of Titus and what I have learned is that it takes the right kind of leader to doctorine others to God and it is our responsibility to teach others. Thank you for sharing your story. Big hugs.
I just happened to see your posts just by scrolling and you caught my eye with hearing you say โCrazy Busy Mommaโ. I too have 4 children (4 girls) aged 25 down to 15. My husband like yours works incredibly hard to give us a wonderful life as I am also a stay at home mom. Your strength every day is so inspiring and makes me appreciate what I have and to never take it for granted. I think about you often and hope and pray for you and your childrenโs future. I have no doubt you all will thrive and survive due to the love you all have for one another and the love your husband left you when he passed. I consider you an inspiration that I draw from as I move forward in my life. Bless you and your beautiful familyโค๏ธ
Hello. This is such a a sweet story. Such a beautiful photo of you two when just “kids”. I don’t know how you came up on my phone one day last year but I’ve been checking in with you guys since! We just celebrated year 39 and you have really given me a lot to think about. I’m even more present in not taking anything for granted as it or my husband may not be here tomorrow. ๐We have always tried to live gratefully but sometimes sweat the small stuff. You are in my prayers each day and I enjoy checking in with you and your amazing kids!! You are one strong Mama!!
I started following you shortly before Quintinโs passing. You are a strong woman and have a beautiful family. Thank you for sharing your story.
I found you by accident about 2 months ago and thank God I did. I haven’t lost my husband but did lose my son when he was 42 years old. I. Still struggling through my grief and it’s been 15 years. You have been an inspiration !!
Sometime after Quintinโs death. I so admire your faith filled journeyโค๏ธ๐๐๐ป๐ค๐ซถ.
You went viral on TikTok right after he passed. I believe someone posted about you and I started following you then. But you have also given me a lot of good recipes
Thank you for sharing your story. I know how hard it is. It gives those of us who have also lost our soul mate strength to go another day, another step. Thank you
I started following you , before Quinton passed. I seen you one day and just started listening to your messages, especially about how God has blessed you ! I like watching you every morning. You make my day and I feel stronger. Love your family โค๏ธ
I started following you after Q’s death. My sister was following you and suggested I follow too. My heart aches for you so often and you are such a strong and loving widow and mother. Your children are such a blessing. You have and are doing so much right. Putting God first makes the difference.
Just loged on to your story,didn’t ger to read it all but I will ,
Just loged on to your story,didn’t ger to read it all but I will ,as I live In Ireland and it 1 30 am here, when I cannot sleep I look to see what I can find to read, and what I read so far is lovely love story, so will get back to it real soo
I started following you when my husband passed on January 17, 2025.
It’s been a journey to say the least. I started Grief Share it’s a 13 week course that is a safe place to share your grief, and it is Faith Based, leaning on God. Between your morning coffee time and Grief Share I’m learning I can do this with God’s help. It’s not an easy road, and I miss him terribly! Thank you for your raw talks. Makes me feel like what I’m feeling is normal?
I started following you probably 2 1/2 years ago.
I listen to you every time you are on your morning chats and talking about your walk with God.
Lori, you are such an inspiration to me.
I canโt imagine what you are going through but Iโm so proud you are taking forward steps
You are a blessing!!
I started following you about a year before Quintonโs passing. I throughly enjoy all the content, your kids content and all the recipes. I am so amazed at your Godly attitude, no matter the circumstance. You have helped me far more than you could ever know. I always pray for you and your children, and btw, you have some pretty amazing children. Thank you Lori, for being your authentic self. Much love for all of you. ๐
Hi Lori. I started following you in the spring of this year, 2025, soon after my husband of 38 years died quickly of a rare and aggressive cancer. I love your messages and feel your pain. My kids are about 10 years older than yours and they are my joy, as your children are yours. You are really an inspiration and I pray for you and your family every day. Sending love ๐
Lori, I started following you in February 2025, I believe. You are so brave by the grace of God. He carries you and gives you strength to carry on for your children and also for you! Continued prayers sent for you and your precious daughters and sons.
Lori, I started following you about 6 months before Quintonโs sudden passing. You and He, when yโall were on, were such an inspiration to me. And You continue to be! Our God is using you and your story in a mighty way! Keep leaning in Him๐โค๏ธ
Iโve been following for several years. Praying for you daily.
I started following you quite awhile before Qs passing!!! I’m a passionate cook and watch all cooking videos!!! so of course yours showed up on my social media given your popularity !!! I was truly devastated the morning I saw you come on and say “friends I am not ok” !!! I have been following you closely everyday!! my heart breaks for you !!! Please know you are a brave and genuine soul and you will be ok !!! You have God walking beside you !!! Much love !!! Continue being you !!! Cause you my friend are amazing !!!
I found one of your cooking videos on my fb feed, and I just thought you guys were the cutest couple, so I started following your page! I was in total shock when Quinton passed, I know your grief, I still think of my late husband, Mac, every day, even though I did remarry a few years ago.
I started following you for dinner ideas as I cook almost every night and also believe in family time around the dinner time is sacred and cooking at home saves alot of money! So before Qโs passing! I also lost my husband in 2021 and it has been a very difficult grief journey! I love connecting with you and your encouragement of faith and strength is needed! Family is everything! I feel you are in a position to do great things! Thank you!
I started following you very shortly after Q’s homecoming..I must admit I wasn’t sure I could bare your sorrow with you…it broke my heart but I cried and prayed with you. It has been a joy and privilege to know and grow with your beautiful family.. I have made several of your recipies and love them..I also enjoy your coffee time..I actually bought a frother for my almond milk..yum! I too was a stay at home mom and never have regretted it..I have a daughter and son. I always wanted 2 boys and 2 girls but am thankful I have one of each. I pray Gods strength and blessings over your family as you continue to follow Him! โฅ๏ธ๐
I started following you in July 2024 just a couple weeks after my own husband 58,passed away very similar to Quentin…Your coffee chats have helped me with navigating my own grief of losing my husband so suddenly and tragically…Thank you Lori, and also thank you to your amazing kiddos…God Bless yall
So sorry you are part of this club no one ever wants to be part of ๐ Appreciate you encouraging me through your own grief journey. God Bless you.
I started following you when i was on FB. A husband was on a video message very upset that people were sending his wife mean nasty messages thru FB and he WASNโT having it He was educating the public of all the good qualities his wife was blesssd with. He was letting people know of her huge heart and sensitivity.
If these heartless people could not be encouraging to his wife to remove
themself from the group.
I loved how this young husband had the back of his wife. I believe he even
Stated he was posting his heart without his wife being aware of what he was doing. That husband was Q and his wife was Lori. Yes that was the hook that had me JOIN and Iโve been following through all the ups and downs. I was quite emotional learning of the loss of Q and his early face to face with our Savior.
Now have been praying for Lori and the children that she and Q were blessed with. I know the Lord walks through this unknown journey with those left behindโฆ.knowing that one day you will all be reunited.
Hi Lori! I’ve been following CBM since about 2020. I was drawn in by your spunk and obvious joy you and Q shared. Then as I followed I loved the content, the family, reclaiming the dinner table and the recipes you shared. I’ve enjoyed the journey with you. You are truly inspirational pulling all of us with you in your faith. I am enjoying watching Ella and Kale find their wings. I’m a huge fan. Keep inspiring us ๐
I started following you between 6 months and a year before Quinton passed. I loved reading about you and your family and seeing the recipes you would share. I still enjoy all of it.
I started following you shortly after you launched your CBM page on Facebook! I love your energy and enthusiasm about cooking quick meals. We are all busy and it helps to get ideas. Iโve made several of your recipes and some Iโve tweaked to my families likes and dislikes. It works. I cried in disbelief when your husband passed and my heart went out to you as you grieved and continue to grieve. Losing a loved one is so incredibly hard. I canโt imagine losing a spouse. You are showing us yourself, raw and I respect you for that. Itโs a process Iโm sure and a piece of your heart is gone temporarily until you are reunited in heaven.
I have been following you for 2-3 years. I love your morning chats and my heart breaks for you and your children. You and your children have my continued prayers.
Hi Lori! I started watching you about 2 months ago. You have been such an inspiration to me. I love watching you talking during your morning coffee. I also enjoy you sharing the different products that you use. I have been through so very much during the last 3 years of my husbandโs illness and during the last week of his life. I was so emotionally and physically exhausted because I had to care for him completely by myself. I never got a break for anything during this time. I could have used a little alone time just every once in a while to catch my breath and rest some, but I never had that. I will never regret everything I did to help and care for my husband but I say this to let you know how much encouragement I have received from listening to you during your time of grief. I am so very sorry for what you and your family have been through and for the loss of your husband. Just know how much you have helped me. Every day I get on Facebook to see if maybe you have a post for me to see or something that I can listen to you talk about. My prayers are with you and your family!! Thanks so very much!
I started following you long before Q had passed, when you two would cook, or he would cook, or when he had a lesson that needed said, he would do THE POST… I remember someone had a nasty comment to you, and Q did the lesson of life post in your defense. A piece of my heart ached for you the day I learned of the “news” I just couldn’t believe what I was hearing… prayers and peace to you and your loving family as you watch babies turn into adults, and your family becomes larger with yet another generation for you to love โค๏ธ ๐
I started following you probably a year or so before Q went home to be with Jesusโฆ you are such an inspiration to me & many others. I pray for you & your children daily. I enjoy your coffee chats, & your recipes. Also, your vulnerability is so inspiring and lets others know that you/ we are human & that itโs ok to not be ok. Your Faith in Jesus Christ & your willingness to share the raw facts & truth are encouraging.
I started following you at least 3yrs ago. I know your followers grieve with you. I remember the day my sister (who also follows you) called and told me about your sweet hubby! I know we discussed how sad we were for you. We are blessed to know you and glad you feel comfortable sharing with us. I love Jesus, my husband, kids, grands and a good cup of coffee! Big hugs from GA!
I started following you about a week ago. I saw a post on Instagram about grief that you did. My husband died suddenly on Aug 7th. Thank you for sharing your journey.
I started following you right before Q died, I think what drew me to you was the recipes and of course your contagious smile and positive outlook on life. Since Q died I felt more of an urge to follow you because I know what your kids are going through. I lost my dad when I was in my mid to late 20โs. Also just hearing and reading the love you have for your husband is helping me to become a great wife. Been married for a year now and a lot of growing too. Thank you for sharing your story with us!
I have been following you since 2020! I loved getting meal ideas for you when it was such a challenging time in this world, and you were so encouraging about how important it was to get a meal on the table for family time. Wow how right you were and are! I loved watching how your content content began to grow into useful kitchen items, cookware, appliances and eventually into clothing and accessories. Then, when Q passed away suddenly, I felt like I knew you and I was devastated for you. For your children. Since then you have shown such vulnerability and strength, I feel like your community who loves you out here was right there next to you with a hand on you encouraging you to #keepgoing. Love and prayers to you, Lori!
Hey Lori, honestly, I canโt remember when I started following you! But it was before your precious Quintin passed away, I do know thatโฆ and I remember the shock of it all as wellโฆ I was so devastated for you and the kids, I was weeping right alongside yall! And now, Iโve lost my precious husband just a few weeks ago myself, so I feel your pain and griefโฆ ๐ญ
I started following you just over 3 years ago. Your testimony through the loss of Q has been an encouragement to me. I know each day is challenging and even though we have not met, you and your family are prayed for. I lost my sister 2 months ago unexpectedly. My heart hurts for her daughters and her husband. Your testimony through your loss and your dependence on Christ to see you through has been a reminder that we will see our loved ones again. Thank you for continuing to share your faith and your struggles. You are a blessing to many.
Keep going – you are a shinning example of how to go on with your life even though it did not follow the path you would have chosen. God bless you and your children. You are an inspiration to many.
I’ve been following yall 3 years now. Was shocked to hear about your husband. I really enjoyed seeing you both together. I’ve been divorced 13 years and its just like a death. I can’t date or hardly laugh anymore. I had to go back to work and do everything myself. It’s tough . But I don’t have teenage children, my son is grown. But it hurts sooo bad. Hope to find laughter and smiles again one day for us all grieving. GOD BLESS US MAMAS
I started following in 2023. Crazy Busy Mama gave me recipes to start cooking again.
I admire your strength & courage. I enjoy your morning videos. Donโt let the haters discourage you. You are amazing!!
Lori I remember it like it was yesterday! My husband and I were in our last 9 days together before he passed, 5 years ago this past July 10, 2025! On July 1, 2020 he got home from the hospital and a day after I had gotten home from having surgery after breaking my ankle in 3 places! He had come to the hospital with my daughter so he could see me before my surgery! Covid restrictions were still at one visitor at that time so he came in and sat in his wheelchair and on oxygen! He had pulmonary fibrosis! I ended up calling a code on him with my button and they rushed him to ER because his heart rate was low! We would talk on the phone, when he was moved to a room on 6th floor and I was under him on the 4th floor! He was sad he didnโt get to come home when I did! When he did come home we laid beside each other all day and night! (I had my portable potty on my side and he had a urinal and walker on his side!) At the time,to be bedridden was like a prison, but now I cherish that memory like it was God making sure we had time together! Thatโs when I started following you! Those last days of my time with David! I would show him your Crazy Busy Mama videos and he would say that looks good and I promised him I would cook for him as soon as I could! Those last 9 days I think he knew he was going to die! He told me what a good wife and mother and Mimi I had been and I told him the same and we talked about how many memories we had with our marriage and our girls and grandkids! One funny memory during those 9 days was when I figured out how we could escape the bedroom because neither of us could sleep! I scooted down my side of the bed and got in the wheel chair and one legged it around to his side of the bed! He stood up like I was his walker and we went slowly into the living room and I dropped him off at his chair! Then I one legged it in to the kitchen and got us cheese and crackers and grapes! We stayed up watching American Pickers and felt like teenagers sneaking out! MY daughter upstairs had no clue! I told him it wasnโt Crazy Busy Mamaโs recipe but I would soon cook for him! That never happened but I vowed to cook for my family because they were by my side after David passed! When I called the ambulance on July 9th Covid restrictions had changed to no visitors! I watched him being wheeled off to the ambulance and I told him I loved him and his last words to me were โฆ..with faint breath โฆ.that struggled to get outโฆ โI love you too!โ He passed after 1am and they couldnโt revive him! He died alone with none of his family! I finally came to the realization that the reason he kept taking his mask off was he wasnโt aloneโฆ.. he saw Jesus!โ
<3 so heartwrenching yet full of hope. Thank you for sharing David's story. Prayers to you!
Lori, I usually say my pleasure when someone says thank you! It is hard to think that telling someone anything about their only love of their life since the age of 17 ( I always told him he robbed the cradle) could render such a response! But it was maybe more like a release or shifting grief for a moment in time telling part of mine and Davidโs love story! Your grief journal is a great idea and I will purchase one! I just wish my knee would cooperate so I could travel to your signing like I planned! Writing/journaling has helped me tremendously on my grief journey! ( I even wrote a song to my husband โMeet Me Where the Stars Meet Heavenโ! ) I may be 73 years old but I still have the heart of that 20 year old that walked down the aisle to marry my only love! I continue wearing my wedding ring because number one I donโt want some old man hitting on me and number two my season doesnโt want that! My grandkids and kids keep me busy! No matter how unthinkable that is for you right now, let time, God and your heart tell if and when it ever happens for you again! Thank you for helping me even though we are strangers yet walking on the same grief journey in different seasons of life and time frame of lossโฆbut both remembering all the love and memories we still have of our spouses! Karen
PS if you ever want to know about dreams anyone has, I have one to save for youโฆ.it is the one my granddaughter had the morning she woke up after David had passed a few hours before! (And my daughter was waiting to tell all the kids about their pawpaw when she woke up) sorry but not sorry this is so longโฆremember it is my therapy!
Been following you for at least 5 years! I was so excited when I saw you lived in Kearney. Iโm in Liberty and I keep an eye out for you when I visit 3 Birdies Boutique on the off chance youโre there too lol
About three years ago a friend told me about a crazy high-energy lady on FB who shared great recipes. Iโve followed you ever since!
I have been following you since you came into Facebook. I looked forward to your simple quick meals and I have been with you since. I lost my daughter during COVID and I didn’t think I could go on, so I know what you have been going thru. Every morning you make me realize it’s ok to not be ok and that tomorrow will be a better day, hopefully..I will be with you as long as you are here giving each of us a little hope….
I started following yall in 2016 and still following love all the videos and all the recipes
Sweet of you thank you!