I am a bad, bad mom.

So I had to take a break from the keyboard and run to Walmart for some Easter stuff, including a PS3 game. Now, thieves have figured out how to steal PS3/X-Box/whatever games from the store: A person pays for the game at the electronics counter—which deactivates the security tag—tosses it in the cart and continues shopping. As soon as that person’s attention turns to sniffing deoderants, they pinch the bag and walk out the door with a free $60 game and no alarms.

There’s a point to this. I promise.

Now, knowing I’d have to keep that bag in my hand at all times, I decided not to take my purse or anything. I knew exactly what I was going there for and how much it would cost. I grabbed the cash the husband gave me for this venture, stuck it in my back pocket and headed for Walmart.

I bought the game and then, with the bag clutched ever-so-securely in my hand, grabbed the other things I needed for Easter. Now, because I didn’t have my purse (swipey card/checkbook/etc) I was running a total in my head and spent it almost to the penny.

Then I walked by the book aisle. I was just in there two days ago, but I can’t help myself. (And my Walmart has actually substantially expanded the romance selection.) I didn’t expect to see anything that wasn’t there two days ago because, well, it had only been two days.

And then I saw it.

My first thought: What can I put back because I ain’t leaving this store without that book.

I stood there, looking from the cart of Easter goodies to the bookshelf and back, wondering which child to rob and of what so I could get the book right then. Never mind that I’ll be back at Walmart on Monday for regular weekly shopping. I will leave no Karen Templeton book unbought.

Then it hit me. My kids expect the candy, but they’re not big candy eaters. I still have Valentine’s candy in the bowl, which I put there after throwing away the remains of the Christmas candy. They don’t need the brand name stuff. By going back to the candy aisle and swapping some Reese’s and Hersheys candies out for the cheapo-fake-chocolatey stuff candies, I saved four dollars. I needed $3.67.

SCORE!

I was able to get Baby, I’m Yours without giving the Easter Bunny a black eye.

But I would have.