May 1st - my anniversary so let me tell me tell you about Jen and what we like

Now maybe she gets on this new blog and corrects anything I write...but first: "Happy Anniversary!!"

I am fortunate for several reasons but the ones that apply to this house-building project (and that you want to know about if you're still reading) is that Jen and me share many of the same design themes.  I'd be in trouble if I like traditional and she likes modern.  But whenever we discuss ideas, we agree 99% of the time (maybe 95% really, but I betcha this goes down as this blog continues!)

What does she like?  I think the best way to describe it is "Texas Modern."  Lots of open space, clean design - not cluttered, use of the beautiful Texas stone.  This "Spirit Lake House"designed by James LaRue is spectacular and I think will be our "dream" starting point.  Here it is: http://bit.ly/lbCYtB.  Why starting point do you say??? Well, I already told you I've been in the military for 20+ years.  I'm comfortable but by no means wealthy so we'll talk budget in a later post.

I'm getting excited now - my first blog.

Wow - we love this house!

Getting started...

I finally got my orders to return to Fort Hood when I come back from Afghanistan. I'll pick up the family in Carlisle, PA and go back to Central Texas...a place we really grew to love when last assigned there.

My wife, Jen, and I bought a beautiful lot overlooking Stillhouse Hollow Lake before we last left, always wondering if we'd get back there to build. Well, here we come! But, like many military families, that time to settle down comes and then the decisions, anxiety, and happiness that comes with building that dream house!

I know what we want...I think. So, we figured we'd start this blog and "crowd-source" the best and brightest ideas over the months ahead. Over the next year, we'll cover everything from house layout, construction management, renewable energy, financing

So sign up, share this with your design, building, architecture, etc friends and let's get building Casa Arey!