Shadow Valley Fun Run

Temple Square Christmas Lights

The Mormon Women Project: "Six In The City"

Lorinda is featured in "The Mormon Women Project" for May 11, 2011. To read her story, click here:

Mormon Women Project: "Six In The City"

David Earns His Eagle Scout Award

After earning the Personal Fitness merit badge at least 4(!) times (due to poor record-keeping), attending two Jamborees, completing a winter coat drive, and earning enough merit badges for two palms, David finally received his Eagle Scout award. He joins his father and one of his grandfathers in attaining this special rank earned by fewer than one percent of all Boy Scouts. "We few, we happy few, we band of brothers." Congratulations, David! (And thanks to the many, many Primary, Young Men, Cub, and Boy Scout leaders over the years who helped along the way!)

Christmas Eve 2010

New Oil Portrait of Lorinda

At long last, the oil portrait we commissioned of Lorinda has been delivered!

The painting, by artist Greg Mortenson and which measures 24"x34", shows Lorinda holding one of our "darker haired" children (actually, the Taber-Kewene's baby), while wearing her favorite blouse-and-skirt outfit from her mission to Germany, her wedding ring, pearl earrings she was wearing on her wedding day, a pearl necklace given to Lorinda by family friend Janae Powell, a blanket borrowed from the Blanchards, while seated in one of the 14th Street "convent" chairs that David refinished.

We love it! One "weird" thing, though: Lorinda's eyes follow you wherever you are. Yep, kids, mom is constantly watching you!

Canyonlands, Utah

Family sunset shots on our way from Canyonlands National Park.

"Lorinda as New York Mother of the Year? Well, of course!"

Lorinda was honored as New York State's "Mother of the Year" at the American Mothers National Convention, held April 30-May 1, 2010 at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Manhattan. Here's her "official" bio:

"NEW YORK Lorinda Goff Belnap was born the fifth of six children to Doug and Margene Goff, in Montclair, New Jersey. In 1969 the family moved to Ogden, Utah up the street from the boy who would eventually become her husband. She graduated from Ogden High School with honors and received a Presidential Scholarship to Weber State College. In 1986, Lorinda interrupted her studies to serve as a representative for her church in Southern Germany. Upon returning, she was accepted into the Physical Therapy program at the University of Utah and graduated in May, 1991. That September, she married Brent Belnap in Salt Lake City, Utah and joined him in New York City where he worked. Shortly after arriving in New York Lorinda began working as a Physical Therapist in neurological rehabilitation. With the birth of their first child, David, her focus shifted from physical therapy to full-time motherhood. Caroline joined the family (almost in a cab), followed by Christopher, Spencer, Rebecca and their caboose, 'King' Nathan in 2007. From 2005-2009 she taught a small group of children in a pre-school setting in their home."

For more info, see: http://www.americanmothers.org/2010-state-young-mothers

Easter Dinner 2010

Brent conducted a Last Supper Reenactment/Passover Seder in connection with his Insitute class this year on World Religions, so no special guests this year for Easter Sunday. Just us.

Joy School Graduation

Special Tabernacle and Welfare Square Tour

While in Utah, the family was treated to a special tour of Welfare Square and the restored Tabernacle on Temple Square. The behind-the-scenes tour also included a lunch with family friend Elder John K. Carmack.

Pending Arrival, Arrival, Post-arrival

Goff Family Cruise

Lorinda (sans Brent) enjoyed a cruise to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico with her parents, siblings, and their spouses. (Brent couldn't get away from work, and, in any event, the last time he vacationed with in-laws was, well, let's just say, "interesting . . . .") Lorinda had a wonderful time, despite being in an expectant state.

Kids and Homework: WABC TV News Spot

Some of the kids were featured in a local news story on whether today's grade school students are assigned too much homework. The news segment, which was filmed in our apartment, appeared on WABC TV Channel 7.

Students facing too much homework?
(by Art McFarland, New York - WABC, October 20, 2006) (WABC)

Do kids have too much homework? A new book raises this increasing debate about whether the abundance of homework is causing a strain for families.

With four school-age children in the Belnap household, weeknights consist of homework, and only homework.

Lorinda Belnap, parent: "We have an 8th grader and so we've been doing it essentially since he was in kindergarten, so I'm used to it now that I don't plan things in the evenings."

David Belnap, student: "It started to pile on around 3rd ... that's when we got homework assignments every day instead of weekly."

Nancy Kalish and Sara Bennett have made the case against homework, which is what they call their new book.

Nancy Kalish, author: "The research actually proves that it doesn't have the value that so many parents, and even teachers believe it does."

Sara Bennett, author: "It's something they inherited from a teacher before them. It's certainly not designed for different kids, different levels and different interests."

Critics of homework overload are concerned, not only about the pressure it can put on students, but they say it can also have a negative effect on family life.

"Instead of it being pleasant and having a nice discussion at the family dinner table, for instance, what happens is, it's all surrounded by arguments 'have you done the homework?' ... " Nancy said.

A recent study at Duke University concludes that homework should be determined by grade level:

In elementary school, 10 minutes per grade, per night is suggested
In middle school, 60 to 90 minutes per night
In high school, a total of up to two hours

Other experts say homework has its place.

Diane Ravitch, NYU Professor: "Homework reinforces what's learned in school and it also gives children the opportunity to exercise independence, creativity and above all, and very important, effort. Effort is critical for students learning."

In their book, the authors offer strategies for parents to take homework complaints to school.

"Say to the teacher, 'Look, this is what's happening in my house and it's not working for my family'" Sarah Bennett said.

While that approach may not work at every school, the authors hope to step up the national debate on homework.

WABC Channel 7: Homework

Family on NTT DoCoMo Commercial

Brent and family were featured on a minute-and-a-half commercial for NTT DoCoMo. The series features a "family treasure" owned by a family some in the world. Not sure how we were selected, but it was fun even though the children were very tired and bored after repeated takes. The brief commercial aired on national television in Japan. So, 10 percent of our proverbial "15 minutes of fame" has been used up--at least in Japan.

NTT DoCoMo Commercial Featuring Brent J. Belnap and Family

Ensign Peak

On July 26, 1997, Lorinda, Brent, and Christopher hiked Ensign Peak, located immediately north of downtown Salt Lake City, to commemorate the raising of the "standard to the nations" by Brigham Young on the same day 150 years ago. This photo has become one of the family's all-time favorites.

London Visit

For several weeks in 1997, Brent was traveling regularly to London on business. At the same time, he was interviewing for a position with a London law firm. Lorinda accompanied him on a whirlwind interview trip, which included an extended weekend, followed by an immediate turn-around flight back to London on business.

Pictured above: Lorinda at the Tower of London.

Birth of Caroline