My command center is a cork board centered in a fabulous 42″ x 30″ black frame. It holds a prominent position in our dining room/kitchen/great room where we ALL spend so much time. The important point is that it is visible by all at any time.
The command center’s primary feature is a simple 16″ x 22″ monthly calendar. My husband’s monthly 8″ x 11″ call-schedule sits next to the calendar. I have a 3″ x 5″ card posted with the family’s weekly piano lessons, computer classes and tennis schedules. My husband also posts daily his O.R schedule. Important notes can be found along with business cards of places that we love (like the golf club-house and the speech therapist).
The command center allows our family (particularly Dad) to be aware of the in’s and out’s of everyone’s lives. It answers the question- “Who’s doing what when and where” (no one actually ever knows why!).
I also keep track of school attendance on this calendar. I am well aware of my children’s attendance. However the state of Indiana likes attendance records and this is my simple method of complying.
I even record my dining room table’s tung oil applications here. Some people can keep track of things like this in their own heads. Not me – I have to write EVERYTHING down. Oh well; it’s O.K. since I have my handy, dandy command center.
It was extremely easy to fashion my command center. I went to my local Hobby Lobby. I picked out a lovely frame and cork board. I visited with the frame department and explained my desire to frame the cork. They listened attentively, suggested a backing and voila! 30 minutes later I was checking out with my command center. I ordered a 16″ x 22″ very simple calendar from Day Timer. It provides large squares for each day so that I can scribble enormous amounts of information if necessary. Each month, I cut out the appropriate page from the calendar and post it. Of course, I always save the previous month’s calendar.
The only changes that I would make to a future command center would be:
- Larger frame, if wall-space permits, to allow 2 months to be posted at one time
- Thicker cork – I doubled the cork that I purchased, but I think a thicker cork would work nicely
This is what works for me. To read other tips, visit Rocks in My Dryer’s Works for Me Wednesday.
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity . . . .” -Ephesians 5:15-16a
An appropriately large command center for a mom of nine.
So far, as a mom of three, I’ve been able to use the fridge to post 8″x11″ schedules (with hand drawn pictures for my pre-reader–goofy looking, but helpful). But I can see that eventually I may need to upgrade.
O.K. You finally succumbed to the pressure.. thanks. I just knew you’d be good at the things I’m weak on–like command centers. I don’t have anything like that. I want everything “pretty” and that seems almost pretty enough for me. So far this week, we’ve only missed ONE appointment. It’s only Wednesday though. Twice the size, eh? O.R. for hubby? Is he an ER doctor of something?
My DH is in France now–probably why I am goofing off now instead of cooking dinner. blessings.
Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! I sooooooo love this idea! I will DEFINITELY be making one for us. I never thought of framing a cork board. Functional and classy…I love it! Thanks for sharing!
Andrea,
Send me a picture when you make yours . . . I’d love to see it! By the way, if you’re near Hobby Lobby, their frames go on sale for 50% off routinely.
There is no Hobby Lobby anywhere near me and I mean anywhere! Can you believe that? So unfair! I’ll definitely take photos:) Enjoy your weekend!