although we aren't looking for a place yet, i decided to start a list of things that we both want in our first house.

• built-in shelves. this is one of my absolute must haves. heath and i were both english majors and we're total bookworms, so we decided that we will own a house where we can display our books. (granted, this can be a do it yourself project that we do, should we find a house that is absolutely perfect without the shelves.)
• some hardwood floors. let me say this once: i have never in a home had hardwood floors. i think they are just gorgeous and so much easier to keep up with.
• a home with a few acres of land around it. for the animals, the kids, and my sanity, i'd really love to have a house in the country with a decent plot of land (trees and hills are a plus).
• area for a porch. we can add it as we go along or it might already be included, but i want a veranda porch with a swing and room on it.
• lots of natural lighting and windows. i'm a sucker for natural light and i can't imagine a home that doesn't have an abundance of it.
• an extra room! it has to be at the very least a large enough room to make into an office/crafty space and a nerdy/game room.