Mary Wardlaw’s attitude is that when you love your job, you never have to work a day in your life.

In that sense, the owner of The Children’s Center in Niles has not worked much in the last 10 years.

“I feel very fortunate to be doing what I am doing,” said Wardlaw. “I want to be here as long as the lord allows.”

On Friday, The Children’s Center employees and patrons held a carnival to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Niles day care/early education center, located at 210 Main St.

Wardlaw, a mother of four who holds a specialist degree in child development, opened the business on Dewey Street in Buchanan in July of 2004. They opened a second location in Niles in 2006 and closed the Buchanan location in 2008.

They’ve gone from having four staff members and 30 kids to having 17 people on staff and approximately 100 children enrolled in their many programs.

“We wanted to celebrate with all our families and give them a very fun and special thank you for supporting us over the last 10 years,” Wardlaw said.

Wardlaw also thanked her husband of 23 years, Jay, and children, Kirsten Swem, 23; Jared, 19; Madisyn, 14; and Cameron, 12; for their help and support. They live in Buchanan.

For more information about The Children’s Center, call them at (269) 683-0405 or visit the website thechildrenscenterinc.com.