Yard work surprise!

My mom is always doing for others despite what it will cost her. She gives all of herself. What an example of selflessness! We were visiting my parents after my mom has first been up to our house to help clean with me(and for me!), then taking Lacy back with her for a few days to give me more free time to continue the cleaning progress. During that time, she got her worst case of gout-a form of arthritis. We did not quite know what it was at first. She assured me that it was just some swelling, not that painful. Ah...I don't want to say my mom lied to me, but will give her the benefit of the doubt and say she is SUPER tough(which she is by the way). It IS very painful, but she wanted to help and pushed through. 

With her helping me, some items on her to-do list got shoved back. So, my brother and I decided to tackle a physical job for her since she needs to rest her foot, instead of tackling yard work. So, my brother and I finished laying garden mulch down in the front yard. It was quite the feat, but we both were determined! For me, juggling both girls and then the weather was TERRIBLE that day. However, we managed to get a great break in the weather while we worked.

I told Lacy we were going to surprise Mammie and work in the yard for her. She was SO thrilled to help. Seeing her little heart shape before my eyes is such a gift. I think this first photo sums it up. A proud little smile, hard at work. And really, she DID work hard. She carried a lot of loads, dumped, and spread her bark! I was not planning on this when I came and was just thankful I had my rain coat. I was able to cinch the waist and fold up the sleeves and Lacy was able to stay dry!

She watched uncle Cory so closely and cheered him on in the SWEETEST way. "Good job uncle Cory!" Then, after she had watched long enough, she went to work, JUST like uncle Cory. I was so impressed at how she would even empty her wheel barrow just like uncle Cory, by lifting it up! Lacy was using Cory's old wheel barrow from when he was little and let me tell you, it is old-school quality and heavy! 

Well done, kid!