DMC Christmas Dinner with the First Presidency

So every year in December DMC has a special Christmas dinner just for DMC VPs, board of directors, and the first presidency.  I actually got asked to play in it last year because I played the harp and then got asked to play the violin and harp in it again this year.  Let me tell you, it's a real treat and one of our favorite events of the year.  It was lovely last year but somehow even lovelier this year. 

Dazzling isn't it?  The deco was blue and silver and the food was incredible - pomegranate salad, fresh Lion House rolls, salmon, filet minion wrapped in bacon, and asparagus and yummy deserets which I couldn't finish.  President Monson sat at that table right in front of the music stand and I got to look at him while I played.  I even got to shake his hand before the event started and he was so kind and loving and afterward I just stood there basking in the warmth and joy of being so close to him until my boss, Greg, kind of did an "earth to Nelda" wake up call.  Haha.  What a moment of joy.  I played the violin in a quartet with the choir  made up of DMC employees and the choir was just tremendous.  I know there were angels singing along.  Everyone was moved.  President Monson even stood up to applaud after the songs. 

I got to play the harp during the beginning of dinner. Paul got to come too so he could help me with my harp and he was tickled by the whole event.

While playing my harp, President Uchtdorf and his wife, Harriet, came up to me and started talking to me about how they remembered my parents calling me Neldita and asked about my parents too.  I told my father later on and he was very happy about it.  They were so kind and thoughtful to do that. 

It was one of those nights you never forget and can't believe really happened.  I got to observe President Packer and his wife and saw so many of the 12 apostles there it was truly moving.  President Uchtdorf gave a closing talk about the Savior which I loved.  I'm happy that Paul and I get to share that memory together and I'm grateful for my musical talents so that I could be there that night.  What a lovely December evening it was.