What is under this carpet?

This journey began with one simple step - peeling back the existing carpet.  The carpet was white and in decent shape.  However, I took issue with two things: 1) It was white and I have small children; and 2) It was 20 years old...and although in great shape, 20 years seems like a long time for dust, dirt, grime and grossness to accumulate in that carpet pad.  But I just moved in and I thought I needed to slow my roll and just let it be. 

It only took 48 hours before the white carpet suffered it's first casualty - chocolate milk.  As I was scrubbing it up, I thought, "what is under this carpet?" So I went to the corner and I attempted to peel back a small section.  I was trying to be ginger because there was a serious possibility that there could be a sub floor and nothing else.  I felt like Charlie Button peeling it back hoping that my golden ticket was inside...and lo and behold there it was - hardwood floors!  Immediately I thought to myself, "I have to peel this all up immediately."  But I hesitated.  Doing this meant that I had to undertake the challenge of tackling this project ASAP.  I had barely unpacked our belongings and I was thinking of taking on a massive overhaul.  Also, I have a 2 and 3 year old...where do I find the time to do this? How do I do this? Do I have the guts to take this on? Will I mess up my floors? Can I really do this? SO many questions floating around and cluttered my mind.

So I left the partially peeled carpet alone and took to Pinterest.  I looked up anything and everything on how to refinish hardwood.  All signs pointed towards go.  It was more cost effective to do it yourself.  Home Depot actually rents the orbital sanders and you can achieve the pro finish on your own.  Pinterest was giving me the confidence boost I needed assuring me "YES YOU CAN CARRIE" (of course it does).

But still nervous and second-guessing myself, I began to poll friends and family.  I discussed it with a friend who had done her own and she assured me this was a manageable process. My brother who had done his even offered guidance. I became obsessed with the idea of doing it.  I know when an idea comes into my head I cannot let it go and will steamroll any dissenting thought until I go for it. But what sealed the deal was a friend who not only assured me I could do it, but offered to assist me.  He said he had done it and would come help me along in the process.  SOLD!

The first part was the easiest - removing the carpet.  It peeled back far too easily (it totally wanted to come up!) and showed a beautiful floor.  Then I kept peeling and uncovered the first roadblock - missing floor boards!  The original floor plan had the open dining/living combo as two separate rooms.  The previous homeowner decided to tear down the walls and make it one open room. I love him for this! What I don't love him for is not patching up the open spots where a wall once existed.  Instead, he put down some 2x4s and put down carpet...the lazy approach :) So now I am left with a mess on my hands...I love to DIY but I am not a carpenter (yet).  SO I was left questioning myself, Do I stop this process and hire a professional or do I research and do my best to complete this myself? This entry proves I chose the latter. 

Halfway gone...and there are the holes in the floor