Tender Heart Childcare

08/26/2026

Sometimes the little things make lunchtime extra special! ❤️🥪 I made ham sandwiches with heart-shaped cheese today because the kids love it… and because I love them! 🥰 It’s just a little extra touch to remind my sweet kiddos how special they are to me. ❤️

08/24/2026

08/20/2026

Cheeseburger pie = happy kids!
This a favorite meal, so I double the recipe. Yup! That is 2 pounds of ground beef in a 13x9 pan!! They devoured it 😂

08/17/2026

There’s something about getting ready for “back to school” that brings ALL the feelings. ❤️

I spent this weekend getting our classroom ready for a new school year—planning lessons, organizing, refreshing our space, and getting excited for all the learning and fun ahead.

But this year, there’s a little extra emotion mixed in. June and Savannah are still here with me, but their Kindergarten chapter is coming up at the end of the month. I’m trying to soak up these last few weeks with them because I know how much I’m going to miss having them here every day. 🥹❤️ Watching them grow, learn, become more independent, and get ready for that next big step has been such a special part of my job.

At the same time, I’m excited for what’s ahead! A fresh fall routine, new lesson plans, new adventures, and welcoming two new friends into our Tender Heart family. 🍎📚🍂

It’s a little bittersweet…saying goodbye to one chapter while getting ready to open another. That’s the beautiful thing about this job—my heart gets to grow a little bigger with every child who comes through my door.

For now, I’m going to enjoy these last few weeks with my Kinders while getting ready for all the wonderful things this new school year will bring. ❤️

Here’s to new beginnings, new friendships, lots of learning, and another year of memories at Tender Heart! 🍂🧡

08/15/2026

I’ll be attending this community vigil on Monday evening to honor the victims of the tragic domestic-related homicide in Hopkins. 🕯️

I feel like coming together as a community is so important, especially when something this heartbreaking happens so close to home.

If anyone would like to join me, I’d love to have you come with me. ❤️

📍 Downtown Park, Hopkins
📅 Monday, August 17
⏰ 6:30–7:30 PM

Keeping the victims, their families, the children affected, and our entire community in my thoughts. 🕊️

08/12/2026

💔 My heart is absolutely broken for the families affected by the tragedy in Hopkins today.
As a childcare provider, this one hits differently. We open our homes and our hearts to other people's most precious little people. Parents trust us with their children every single day, and we carry that responsibility very seriously.
To hear that a daycare provider and her child lost their lives in such a horrific act of violence—with other young children present—is simply heartbreaking. My heart aches for the family who lost their loved ones, for the children who were there, for the parents who received that unimaginable phone call, and for the parent who arrived for drop-off and was the one to discover what had happened.
Thankfully, the other children were physically unharmed and have been reunited with their families. But my heart is still with those little ones and everyone who will carry the emotional weight of what happened today.
Today is a heartbreaking reminder that childcare is so much more than a job. We are trusted with children who are someone's whole world. We love them, protect them, comfort them, teach them, and pray that every child who walks through our door goes home safely at the end of the day.
Sending so much love, strength and prayers to the families, the children, the childcare community, and the first responders who walked into this unimaginable scene today. ❤️🙏
Hold your babies a little closer tonight.

08/05/2026

The day always begins with a quiet moment…

This morning, I’m sitting out on the patio, soaking up the sunshine, admiring the bright blue sky and those beautiful, fluffy clouds before the busy day begins.

In just a little while, the laughter, little footsteps, hugs, and endless curiosity will fill the yard. These peaceful moments remind me how grateful I am for another day to do work that brings so much joy.

Here’s to blue skies, fresh air, grateful hearts, and another day of making memories. Wishing everyone a wonderful Wednesday! ☀️💙

07/30/2026

Today’s lunch is always a crowd-pleaser… and it’s easy peasy for me too! 🍽️❤️

On busy preschool days, I love meals that let me spend more time with the kiddos and less time in the kitchen. This creamy Italian chicken pasta is one of our favorites, and judging by the clean plates, I’d say the little ones agree! 😋

Easy Crock Pot Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta

🥣 Ingredients:
• 3–4 chicken breasts
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 block (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
• 1 packet dry Italian dressing mix
• 3 cups cooked bow tie pasta

Directions:
Add the chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, and dry Italian dressing mix to your slow cooker. Cook until the chicken is tender, then shred and stir everything together. Cook the bow tie pasta separately and stir it into the crock pot just before serving.

Simple, delicious, and preschool-approved! 💛

07/30/2026

There’s something refreshing about today’s break from the summer heat. ☁️🍃 The cooler temperatures and gentle breeze mean the children can truly enjoy being outside, and I can relax knowing they’re playing comfortably and safely.

As quickly as summer seems to be slipping away, I’m soaking up these simple moments. While I absolutely love lesson planning, creating engaging activities, and the excitement that comes with a new preschool year, there’s something so special about slowing down, following the children’s lead, and simply enjoying time together with no agenda. Sometimes those unplanned moments become the most meaningful ones.

Here’s to making the most of every last summer day before we jump into the excitement of a brand-new school year! 💛

07/14/2026

Copy & paste…..😂💦☀️🕶️