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 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!
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 20’s. 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 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 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 probably a year or so before Q went home to be with Jesus… 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 it’s ok to not be ok. Your Faith in Jesus Christ & your willingness to share the raw facts & truth are encouraging.
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 ❤️ 😍
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 husband’s 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 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.
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. I’ve made several of your recipes and some I’ve 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 can’t imagine losing a spouse. You are showing us yourself, raw and I respect you for that. It’s a process I’m sure and a piece of your heart is gone temporarily until you are reunited in heaven.
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.
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 🙏
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 WASN’T 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 I’ve 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 behind….knowing that one day you will all be reunited.
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 🙁 Appreciate you encouraging me through your own grief journey. God Bless 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! ♥️🙏
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 Q’s 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 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.