Oh there is NEVER a good time for crap to break down, that's for sure. Our printer downstairs did the same thing about a year ago. Sure enough we had to have a part replaced. (can't recall what that was now though).
We have a printer upstairs hooked onto this pc that so far (knock on wood) works very well. I use it constantly to print pics from the camera, and everything else inbetween.
It's just a HP photosmart 7660. Not very expensive either. I do believe it came from WM. It's not too big/bulky and kinda sleek looking. But, it does print well.
Tell your hubby that Christmas needs to come early this year. For goodness sake, the fur kids are counting on it!