A Steal of a Deal (while a child breaks down)

Eddy left Friday for Florida with his baseball team. The only thing that makes me feel better is knowing they take a BUS there (ssssoooo not jealous of that part!). So trying to stay occupied and do a few fun things with Isaac, we headed to the mall yesterday because I saw that Clifford the Big Red Dog was going to at Barnes and Noble. I wish I would have brought my camera because he did really well. Walked right up to him and shook his hand. After Clifford left,I had to explain several times that Clifford had to go to his house; that's why he had to leave.

After that, I thought I'd try my luck at finding a bargain on a winter coat for Isaac next year. We trekked upstairs at Younkers and all their winter stuff was gone. Bummer. Last year I picked up a Columbia jacket for $20 (regularly $120). I knew I was pushing it (as far as Isaac cooperating), but thought maybe I could find something at Sears. I forgot that we have to not only walk past the water fountain, but also those stupid ride-on toys that cost 75 cents. Ugh. We stopped at the fountain long enough to throw two pennies in the fountain and convinced Isaac we'd stop at the toys if he was a good boy at Sears.

Now, to the point of this whole posting. I was debating between two coats (one navy, one royal). But then I turned around and saw a clearance rack. There was a 4T coat that looked warmer than the two I was debating on, plus also came with a matching hat and mittens that attach to the coat. The sign said and additional 30% off the clearance price. It was originally $55 and marked down to 26.99. I wasn't sure if the coat actually belonged on that rack, so I was going to bring it up to the counter to see how much it actually was. Well, during this time, Isaac discovered some Spiderman tub toys that were in a zippered pouch. With every second that I ignored him (and did not open the pouch), his crying/snotty nose/attempts at getting out of the stroller/screaming got worse. So by the time we hit the check-out counter, it was full-on ridiculousness.

Over Isaac's screaming, I asked the lady how much the clearance-rack coat was... let's remember that it was originally $55. She rings it up... SIX DOLLARS AND NINETY-NINE CENTS!! Uh, I'll take it! Even with Isaac's fit, I still got a rush. I love finding a deal.

And if you were in the mall yesterday, you probably saw and heard Isaac's fit as we walked past the ride-on toys (uh, NO we did not stop) and the water fountain. I'm such a mean mom.