From the time I was a teenager, all I wanted was to be a mama. Not just a mom—but a stay-at-home mom. I didn’t know exactly how it would happen, but I knew that was my calling.
Now, I’ll admit, I also dreamed of being a rock star (and yes, I still love to grab the mic or jump on a dance floor 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 couldn’t 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, “If we’re gonna move forward in this relationship, I need to know you’re okay with me being a stay-at-home mom someday.”
He loved to retell that story, shaking his head with a smile—“She 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.”
For years, we followed the traditional path—careers, 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 surviving… but we weren’t really living.
I slowly lost myself in the daily roles of motherhood, and Quintin, though doing what he thought he was “supposed” 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 didn’t set out to build a business—I 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 we’d been missing all along—time together. Conversations over dinner. Laughter with our kids. Those meaningful, ordinary moments that don’t just happen—you 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.
That’s 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, “You don’t have to be a cranky banker. There’s a better way.”And 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 table—with 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. There’s no way to prepare for that kind of loss. Some days it still doesn’t 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 that’s why I continue forward with what we began.
Today, Crazy Busy Mama carries our story and our mission into the lives of others. It’s a space where I share recipes, cookbooks, kitchen hacks, and fun merch like mugs and tees. But it’s also where I show up for my “coffee chats”—sharing 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 isn’t just a business. It’s 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 on—encouraging 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 ✝️
My hearts passion of how to #ReclaimTheTable – I appreciate each of you who take the time to help me build this blog full of recipes that help you and your family spend more time together as a family!
Grab your mug as a reminder: “ALL GREAT CHANGE BEGINS AT THE DINNER TABLE” HERE
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I started following you shortly before Quintin’s passing. You are a strong woman and have a beautiful family. Thank you for sharing your story.
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. 😔We 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 just happened to see your posts just by scrolling and you caught my eye with hearing you say “Crazy Busy Momma”. 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 children’s 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 family❤️
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 you’re doing God‘s work through Q and this terrible loss. You are helping more people than you could ever possibly know but I cannot imagine the pain you’re going through. I have had many tears fall for you and your baby’s and it’s 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 saw you CBM reels a few years ago and enjoyed the quick and easy meal recipes.
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 🙂
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.
Hello Lori. I started following you prior to Q’s passing. I can’t 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.
I’ve 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!
I started following you about two years ago and you are a blessing to me every day on “our morning coffee”. I check on you every day with a small prayer for you and your precious family! You are doing a great job!
Shortly before Q’s 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.
Hi Lori! I love your story and how you’re 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 Quintin’s homegoing.
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.
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 have been following for a couple years or more.
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.🙏🏼❤️
I’ve 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.
I’ve 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’ve been following you since I lost my husband of 50yrs. thank you so much. No one else seems to understand but you. thank you again Carol
Carol… thank you for sharing that with me 🤍
I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your husband… 50 years is a lifetime of love. Of course it feels like others don’t fully understand—this kind of grief is something you don’t truly *get* unless you’ve walked it.
It means so much to me that you’ve been here, that something I’ve shared has made you feel even a little less alone. That’s why I keep showing up.
You’re not alone in this, Carol… truly. I’m so grateful you’re here 🤍