Don't give him cold shoulder. Lay it all out. Specifically. I don't like it when you _____________ because I feel _____________ when that happens. Then tell him what you will do. Example. My 7 year old (yep, because that's how old your dh is acting!!) keeps not appreciating what I do for her. Not only that, but acting like a little brat prior to us doing fun stuff. I finally told her today that I am tired of feeling like this. I told her I cannot control what she does, but I can control how I react to it. So the next time she doesn't listen to me about eating in the living room or whatever, I'm not going to get all upset. We're just not going to do the fun stuff we had planned. Then I won't feel that she's taking advantage and martyr myself. End game. I think she got it. So, what will you do when DH does something like that? DH: I think your tattoos are hideous. You: I apologize for my husband. That was innappropriate to say to you, a guest in our home. Would you like to come with me to the patio for some tea? DH: Rush Limbaugh is an idiot, I don't see how any smart person could listen to him. You must be an idiot. You: It's obvious we have different opinions on this subject. Aren't politics a heated subject!! By the way, Aunt Jen, this is a lovely coffee cake. How did you make it so fluffy and light? By doing that, it takes the attention from him, lets him and everyone know that you won't stand for it, and lets him off without the humility of being kicked or told off. Just smile, and cut him off at the chase. Diffuse while in the heat of it, then when you get him alone have specific things to tell him, without anger or blame.

What a wonderful story! And congratulations on your lovely new furniture. I can hardly wait to see them in your home. Your story reminds me of something similar that happened to me about 15 years ago. I drove past an antique store every day on the way to work, and kept admiring a maple corner hutch in their window. I told my husband about it and said that I wanted to run in and check the price when I had a chance. But a few days later it was sold. I told my husband I was kicking myself for not making it in sooner, because I had really loved it. The next day when I got home from work, it was all set up in the dining room, with my dishes all arranged on the shelves. Turns out he was the one who had bought it! It was such a lovely thoughtful thing to do - it made me cry! What a guy!

Y'all are too kind :) I'm going to be sure to show him all the nice comments, help boost his little ego, LOL. He never picked up so much as a hammer until a few yrs ago, now I've got him constantly doing DIY projects around the house. And obviously he takes a few on himself these days :) I also would like to see maybe a floral cushion, or toile! That would be fun. The chairs kind of dissapear, so I need to do something to spruce them up. And I think staining the same color as the mulch is a good idea. Make it blend in a bit. Thanks again everyone!!

Best halibut I ever tasted was at The Sea Chest in Cambria, CA. DH was the wine and liquor salesman at the time and we were up there letting the owner have a wine tasting. Just before the tasting was over, a local fisherman had come in with a 40 pound halibut he had just caught and wanted to sell it. Owner bought it, the cook cleaned the fish and grilled some of us. I bet the fish hadn't been out of the water more than 30 minutes. Yum! (And, no, I hadn't been tasting any wine.....was the designated driver, as always.)