18 Apr 2011 Funky Frugal: My choice for mom of the year

by Tanner Cangelosi

In honor of Mother’s Day, I want to tell you about my choice for “Mom of the Year 2011.”

When I first met Gina Greathouse, I was struck by her beauty outwardly and inwardly.  She moved quietly through a large group at our church, and then I saw her beaming and laughing as she hugged her kids. As I have watched her live her life before me these last three years I’ve known her, I see more and more a woman I want to be more like.  She loves serving at church behind the scenes, supporting her husband and loving her children. If you ask me, that sounds like she has her priorities in order. She has so many creative and frugal ideas of activities to do with your families to help your children know they are priceless!

Check out this great Q&A full of funky and frugal ideas:

Where are you from?

“I was born and raised in Warren, Ohio.”

How did you learn to be so frugal?

“It’s always been in me to be a saver. I grew up in a family that liked to go to garage sales and flea markets, so I guess you could say that I’ve always loved being able to get more for my money.

“Watching my dad work so hard growing up gave me an appreciation for what it takes to raise a family. I’ve learned so much from watching my mom take good care of what he earned for us. She was always thankful for the littlest things.”

Why did you move to Central Arkansas?

“My husband, Neil, and I had a long history of working with Pastor Rick Bezet (of New Life Church) at regional summer camps up north, and he was our guest speaker for years. We’d grown to love not only Rick and Michelle, but also their entire family. As we were transitioning out of a job in Columbus, we called Pastor Rick for advice, and he asked us to come visit. The first time we walked into a weekend service at New Life Church, we knew we were home.”

What do you like about the area?

“Having come from what’s called the Snow Belt, it’s so refreshing to be able to get outside more with the kids. We all love the outdoors, and we can’t get enough of the sunshine!

“The people in the South are so welcoming and friendly, and we’ve made great friends. We can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

What do you love about being a mom?

“As long as I can remember, it’s been a dream for me to be a mom. I love being able to care for my children, love on them and kiss their faces as we dream about their futures together.

“One of the proudest moments as a mom is to see them become leaders even at a young age. Knowing that they’re here because of the love that Neil and I have for each other is so humbling. I could definitely do with less laundry, though!”

How did you meet your hubby? What do you love about him?

“Neil and I met when we were 18. I worked at a pizza shop, and he worked around the corner at a comic book store. Neil asked me out after we’d been on a double date with some friends, and we had a great time together. He was scheduled to enlist in the Air Force only a month after we met, and I agreed to wait for him no matter how long it took. We knew that we wanted to be together forever.

“I love how Neil makes me laugh and helps me not take life so seriously. He is so kind and considerate of my feelings and what my needs are. Neil has a calm and steady side of him that brings stability to our home. He leads our family with encouragement and sees both me and our children at our fullest potential.”

Where are a few of your favorite frugal places to shop?

Target is one of my most favorite places to shop, but not just any part of that store, the clearance sections in particular. At the end of some aisles are “end caps” that have great deals and clearance items.

“Because I pack our kids lunches every day, I’m always looking for the best prices on lunch snacks, and I like to get those at Big Lots and Kroger on sale.

“T.J. Maxx has great prices on home decor, and Old Navy clearance racks are always good for school clothes.”

What are your three favorite frugal family activities?

“Dessert night with the girls has got to be one of my favorites! It usually includes a stop at Jewelry Galore in Conway where each of my girls can pick out a treasure.

“We love to go on bike rides as a family, and the walking trails are a lot of fun.

“We’ve spent hours at Petit Jean State Park just throwing rocks and racing back and forth on the boardwalk at the Cedar Falls Overlook.”