Raw sewage in the bathtub

Bobby changed Robert's stinky diaper this morning and flushed the contents down the toilet only to see them coming back up into the bathtub. Yuck. We've had some plumbing funkiness at our house the last couple days, but this finally got me to call a plumber. They can't come until 3-5 this afternoon. We're not supposed to use much water at our house until then (they suspect a problem with our main line...groan).

Good thing it's a preschool day! And warmishly sunny. I'm automatically excused from dishes, laundry, and using the toilet, but I must remain home in case they call to say they can come early. Wow! Think of all the free time at home that I have ahead of me! I can't decide if a cell phone would have made this situation better or worse. I wouldn't be tied to the house, but then I'd feel forced to stay away and I would probably spend too much money and mess up Robert's much-needed naps (the boy decided to take a break from sleeping for an hour in the middle of the night). No, staying home is just fine. I'm sure I can find something to work on around here...oh yeah:

Fix Robert's curtains
Sweep, mop, vaccuum
Work on the new garden bed (red dahlias!)
Mow the lawn
Artisan bread for dinner
Mother's Day cards (they might be a little late this year, Grandma)
Family History Center reworkings
Sorting out the next few sewing projects
Decluttering closets (again! That fell apart quickly!)
Read up on post Civil War Reconstruction in the south (family history research)
Take down the dead tree in my backyard
Figure out what the heck to do with 100 wooden chicken eggs
Organize the shed (ewww, spiders)
Nap (make up for that hour that Robert stole last night)

I'm sure I'll find something productive and fun to do with the kids, too ;)

Epilogue: The plumber came that afternoon and used ultra-high-pressure water to clear out the blockage(s). He said that 90% of the blockages he sees are tree roots getting into the main line. Evergreens can be pretty invasive and we've got a bunch of them. Anyway, $400 poorer and a whole lot better educated on the intricacies of sewer work, we now have a functional bathroom and kitchen. I also fixed Robert's curtains, swept the floors twice, read up on the Reconstruction, and crafted sparkly streamers with the girly girl to decorate her room. See? I kept busy ;)