Getting the $$$ for the UltraPod II will be a lot easier than for the Canon digicam. But the $20 you spend on the UltraPod will improve your pictures regardless of what camera you're using.

Tell your wife that you'll use the tripod (and the self timer) to take a "couples portrait" of the two of you. It's a fun assignment, and worth the price of the 'Pod alone.