Trying to keep my body and my mind busy around here so I decided to tear all the carpet out of Annie's room. (Turns out there's 100 year old wood floors under there that just need a little love and attention.)
I always show great motivation in the early stages of a big project like this but my follow-through in the end stages is historically a bit lack-luster.
And Josh Downs knows this about me so he said he's not coming home until the floors are done.
So after wasting $100 on a floor sander and two days of my life trying to figure out how to properly attach the sandpaper to the roller so it doesn't explode into a bazillion pieces after a few passes along the floor, I have decided to call in help. (A professional is coming over in the morning to give me an estimate.)
And if you're reading this Josh Downs...the floors will be done by the end of the weekend so feel free to come home early.
been there, done that..or at least TRIED that! good idea to call in the professionals. it's a BIG job!
Posted by: Kim S. | August 30, 2011 at 12:13 PM
I wish our house had hardwood under the carpet, but sadly it was more carpet and lino! Good for you for calling in the pros!
Posted by: Kelli | August 30, 2011 at 12:26 PM
Here's hoping the military agrees with your plan of bringing him home early! ;)
Posted by: EBPitcher | August 30, 2011 at 12:27 PM
We did that too, but didn't sand. It's amazing what a gallon of Lacquer will do.
Good luck! Fun projects are the best.
Posted by: steph | August 30, 2011 at 12:30 PM
You'll be glad you called someone. That sander can kick your behind. Our house is 130 years old and we've done that so I know where of I speak. Thinking of you and yours and hoping you are coping with all of it.
Posted by: Lynn | August 30, 2011 at 02:04 PM
I'm hoping Josh Downs come home to you and your family VERY SOON!!! Must be hard having him away.....
Posted by: Kim | August 30, 2011 at 02:15 PM
How exciting to find that. I love wood floors..the older the better! We refinished the wood floors in a house we lived in in TN! It sure was a lot of work! I think women are definitely better at knowing when to call in the Pros! Can't wait to see how they turn out!
Posted by: Anita G. | August 30, 2011 at 02:23 PM
I get a lump in my throat every time I read your notes to Josh Downs. Its the flippin sweetest thing ever.
Posted by: Christy Bridwell | August 30, 2011 at 04:27 PM
such a cool window in there that does all the way down to the floor like that!!
Posted by: Shauna M | August 30, 2011 at 05:42 PM
Karen, I feel you on the projects. Last week we tore out a wall in our living room and tore up the floors and replaced most drywall. Hired someone to plastercoat the walls and smooth the concrete. We'll (me because hubby is having surgery on his hand tomorrow) will be installing our flooring. Hoping to push through to the end of this project. Having a professional come in helps make it a little easier to get motivated! Best wishes!
Posted by: Patty Hetrick | August 30, 2011 at 06:06 PM
If you can swing it, dustless sanding options are awesome! They will save you a huge amount of cleaning in the end.
Posted by: Sandy | August 30, 2011 at 07:14 PM
aawwhh.. yeah Josh Downs..hurry home!! hee hee Too cute!!
Posted by: teresa b | August 30, 2011 at 07:23 PM
Love his response and your message to him. Hugs to you all. I know it's hard, but it gets better. I promise.
Posted by: Elizabeth C. | August 30, 2011 at 07:58 PM
Looking good baby!
Posted by: Josh | August 31, 2011 at 03:32 AM
nice find :)
Posted by: diane | August 31, 2011 at 04:22 AM
After steam cleaning my carpet yesterday for the gazillionth time, I would love nothing more than to tear up the carpet and find 100 year old hardwoods! You sure are motivated!! Always love your pics, and cant wait to see more. Hope you have a lovely Wednesday!
Posted by: Melinda~ | August 31, 2011 at 07:06 AM
I love the last sentence! Hold him to that! lol
Posted by: Jessica W | August 31, 2011 at 07:27 AM
What a beautiful 'find' to discover under the carpeting!! The floors look gorgeous! If refinishing is too costly, a good coat of floor paste wax and then buffing them out might be all you need to revive them! A fun memory....My kids would put on heavy socks and skate around helping buff while I used a vintage floor buffer purchased with Green stamps!
Posted by: ♥ Debbie | August 31, 2011 at 08:39 AM
my favorite message to josh downs yet. i can see you smiling {hoping/longing} as you typed it. i am tearing carpet out of my workshop (scrapbooking classes) space tomorrow...darn cats left a rather nasty smell in them. hoping to find some beautiful hardwood floors too.
Posted by: Denise | September 01, 2011 at 09:08 AM
ohhh can't wait to see the results!!
Posted by: jennifer Camplin | September 02, 2011 at 09:19 AM
I fear that all readers who have carpets might tear their carpets apart. Kidding aside, I feel you. I mean who wouldn't be excited to find a 100-year-old hardwood floor? And yes, good luck with giving it the love it needs.
Posted by: Lyda Tavorn | October 12, 2011 at 03:00 PM
For me, it would be better for your house to have your wooden floors visible to show that they have been kept well-preserved for over a century. Instead of putting another carpet, perhaps you can make it shine but not slippery.
Posted by: Henry Gay | March 13, 2012 at 04:43 PM