The Nashville Adventure

The original Valentine family consisting of parents Robert and Shauna Valentine and children Christopher, Lisa, Gina, James and Amanda had a fabulous adventure in Nashville last weekend. First, the kids completed the Music City Half Marathon along with thousands of others Saturday morning; and, second, we all had a great time at a fashion show that highlighted some of daughter Amanda's designs, including the one she is wearing. By the way, Gina made the running t-shirts. Son Christopher, a really distinguished MD, decided to run the race without his temporary front tooth because, he says, it improved "air flow." His new implant will be ready in a few weeks.

April 15 Tea-Party in Provo, Utah

We missed the big one at noon, but took in the 5 p.m. gathering, followed by a delicious dinner of salads across the street at Guru's. Here are some of the "right-wing, radical, mean-spirited, nasty, racist" citizens and their signs! A good time was had by all!

Easter Dinner 2010

Honey-baked spiral cut ham and twice stuffed baked potatoes, asparagus, salads, coconut cake and a whole lot more, but first, we had a family prayer and Grandma reminded us of the resurrection of our Savior. The grandchildren promised to remain faithful to the Gospel and to watch over and take care of each other for the rest of their lives.

Easter Sunday 2010 Springtime Store!

Shauna hid the Easter Eggs in the house this year because it was too cold outside! After finding the eggs, our grandchildren exchanged certificates at the "Springtime Store" in the basement! The little kids got to "buy" first with their certificates and chose stuffed bunny rabbits. The big kids ran the store! Grandpa and Grandma had the best time just watching!

North Argentina Reunion on Friday, April 2, 2010

The missionaries who served in North Argentina from 1962-1965 under President Ronald V. Stone and Sister Patricia J. Stone gathered at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building in Salt Lake City last Friday evening. About one hundred former missionaries attended; yet, many more scattered around the world wanted to attend.

We love President and Sister Stone. As our mission president, he was only in his early thirties. President and Sister Stone have continued to serve ever since. They have set a lifetime example for all of us!

The gathering and program was amazing, and many tears of gratitude were shed. Many of us have devoted years of service to building the Kingdom, especially in Argentina, where there are now hundreds of thousands of faithful members of the Church throughout the country; nevertheless, Apostle D. Todd Christofferson (a former missionary in North Argentina under President Stone), reminded us that no matter what we have done in life to build the Kingdom we will always be in debt to the Savior for the blessing of the Atonement.

The Tea Party Express comes to Provo, Utah

Everyone had a good time, sang songs, pledged allegiance to the flag. The event focused almost exclusively on the preservation of the U.S. Constitution and the limitations of federal powers, which was discussed in some detail by various local and visiting officials. Most of the people in attendance were highly educated and well-informed. It was a very positive experience. Shauna had meetings she could not miss, but some of her colleagues were there, too. Bob, who has worked and lived around the world under various political systems, waved the American flag, shed a few tears and felt very grateful for liberty and the opportunity to grow up and live and raise a family in the United States of America.

Utah's Political System - The Neighborhood Caucus

Our Highland, Utah election caucus at Lone Peak High School was packed and we elected new officers, county and state delegates to attend the forthcoming county and state conventions to select candidates for the November 2010 election. Bob was chosen as a state delegate.

The big political campaign in Utah this year is for the U.S. Senate. Our current senator, Bob Bennett has been in Washington for eighteen years and a lot of voters want to replace him. Bob Valentine is impressed with two new faces and candidates: Mike Lee and (bottom) Tim Bridgewater. Bob has met with each of them (and others) on more than one occasion for at least an hour and a half. 3,500 state delegates will assemble in the Salt Lake Salt Palace on Saturday, May 8 to vote for the candidate for U.S. Senate and other positions. Bob has not yet made up his mind and will walk the neighborhoods during April to listen to the opinions of other Highland voters.