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Show Nettie, Page 19 her eyes, blinking out the water and shivered. But she smiled at Papa and together they scurried out of the chill waters and into the warmth of the quilts. Her brothers each hugged her quickly, then all clambered into the wagon and Papa hurried the horses toward home. Mama hustled Nettie through the door of the house and toward the warm fire. While Mama held the blanket up, Nettie stripped out of her wet things and climbed into the tin tub of hot water Mama had waiting. Never had a bath felt so good to Nettie and she hunkered down in the water until the chills were gone and only warmth surrounded her. After the bath, Nettie dressed again, this time in her Sunday best. Mama brushed Nettie's blond hair in front of the fire until it shone and was dry. Mama fixed Nettie's favorite meal for this special birthday-baptismal celebration and her eyes were shining as the family all congratulated her and presented her with some little gift they each had made. Clarence planted a rather wet kiss on his sister's cheek and she hugged him in return. Dinner was a pleasant, noisy family affair and hearts were light and happy in honor of the special occasion. After the meal and its aftermath were cleaned up, the family climbed into the wagon once again for the ride to the ward house for Nettie's confirmation. This important second part of the baptismal ordinance was a solemn occasion, but a very happy one. There were no other wagons at the little building in which the membership met, and the Peterson family found only the Bishop inside. The harshness of the weather had kept the membership away. |
