Train Up Tuesday: Resurrection Sunday Snack Activities

With last week's entry, I was planning to share with you this week about activities to keep young ones occupied while traveling. I'll return next week, with that.

I didn't want this week to pass, however without some reflection on the upcoming Resurrection Sunday. I recently came upon some great Resurrection themed snack activities that I had not previously seen (with thanks to some friends and fellow RWAV reader).

The first is in an Easter Story Cookie Recipe (thanks Leighann).

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole pecans
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 3 egg whites
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Place pecans in a zipper bag let the children beat the bag with a spoon to break the pecans into pieces. (After JESUS was arrested, the Roman soldiers beat him. - John 19:1-3)

Let the children smell and/or taste the vinegar Put the vinegar into a mixing bowl. (When JESUS was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink. - John 19:28-30)

Add egg whites to the vinegar. (The egg whites represent life. Jesus gave His life for us. - John 10:10-11)

Sprinkle a little salt in each child's hand, and let them taste it. Put the 1/8 teaspoon salt into the bowl. (The salt represents the salty tears that were shed by JESUS followers and the bitterness of our sins. - Luke 23:27)

Add sugar. (The sweetness part of this story is that JESUS died because he loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. - Psalm 34:8 & John 3:16)

Beat with mixer on high for 12-15 minutes until stiff peaks form. (The color white represents the purity of those whose sins have been cleansed by JESUS.)

Fold in the broken pecans. Drop the cookies by teaspoonful onto a waxed paper covered cookie sheet (Each mound represents the rocky tomb where JESUS was laid. - Matthew 27:65-66)

Put the cookie sheet into the oven, close the door, and turn the oven off.Give each child a piece of tape and let them tape the oven door shut. (JESUS was sealed in the tomb. You may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven. JESUS' followers were sad when the tomb was sealed and they had to leave JESUS in there. - Matthew 27:65-66)

In the morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. the cookies will be hollow. (On the 1st Easter, JESUS' followers were amazed to find the tomb empty. He is risen and desires each of us to know HIM as SAVIOR. - Matthew 28:1-9)

What a GREAT idea! I can't wait until Sunday morning for this. (We tried this, as you can see with a few photos I added. The kids were so excited about the end result/taste, but loved making them. The adults who had them during Easter lunch remarked at how they thought it tasted like divinity fudge. Needless to say, they were all eaten!)

The second idea is one I came across after sharing the cookie idea with a shopper I met at Hobby Lobby (we were both looking for crafts...that were all gone, so we were desperate for ideas).

Similar to the cookies, with the end result being an "empty tomb," Resurrection Rolls are a good option if you don't have a night before hand to prepare (as in you could do this for your Easter brunch).

The ingredients you'll need are:

• 1 (8 ounce) package refrigerated crescent rolls
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 8 large marshmallows
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted

The simple directions are:

Separate rolls into eight triangles.


Combine sugar and cinnamon.

Dip each marshmallow into butter, roll in cinnamon-sugar and place on a triangle, pinching the dough around marshmallow to seal all the edges.

You can also dip the top of rolls into the remaining butter and cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Place with sugar side up in greased muffin cups. Bake at 375 degrees for 13 to 15 minutes. Serve immediately.

(not the best photo, but it gives you an idea of the end result)

The kids enjoyed making and eating these more than the cookies this year. We had no trouble "getting rid" of these "glorified cinnamon rolls" after lunch. ;-)

I just happened upon this blog today: Smashed Peas and Carrots which not only gives GREAT step by step directions and photos, but more importantly, the significance of each step, which you will find as a great way to remember Christ's death are resurrection.

Do you have any great Resurrection Sunday activities that are kid friendly? Please share!

Until next week,
Ashlie

Stay at Home Saturday

TNT Tip

When baking cookies, lay parchment paper on your cookie sheet. When you use parchment paper you don’t have to use cooking spray because it is non-stick. The best part? There’s no clean-up! Just throw away your paper when done. By the way, you can use it for multiple batches of cookies so there’s no need to put a new sheet down between batches. Parchment paper is found with wax paper and foil in the grocery store.

Cookies lift off perfectly every time!

Now that the weather is getting warmer, it will soon be time for warm weather treats like popsicles and ice cream sandwiches! Try making some of your own this year, involving your kids if possible. Here’s an easy way to make homemade ice cream sandwiches:

1. Bake a batch of your favorite cookies (I usually stockpile Betty Crocker cookie mix for last-minute cookies, though I LOVE this awesome recipe from allrecipes.com.).

2. Cool cookies completely, even sticking them in the freezer for an hour or two, if you have time.

3. Place a big scoop of vanilla (or your favorite) ice cream on a cookie; top with another one, squeezing with the palms of your hands (the cookie is less likely to break!). You could even roll the edges in candy of nuts if you wanted to, but I'm a purist - just ice cream and cookies for me!

4. Freeze for at least an hour for the ice cream to harden.

I made these cookies for a girls’ game night I go to. Yum yum! (Don't worry - I made lots more than pictured. I don't believe in running out of treats!)

Love,

Amy

Thrifty Thursday ~ Keep your Entertainment Budget Low

The 2010 Entertainment Books are currently $17.50 (50% off) with free shipping. I bought my book a few months ago and we've already used it many times. Just this weekend we got free ice cream and a free pretzel. We keep it in the car and actually choose our activities based on the coupons. It's a great way to keep your entertainment budget low! Click here to find the book for your area.

My sister Lindsay has the Charlotte Citipass book and uses it a lot. They are $25 each plus $5 shipping. Right now they have an offer if you buy two you get one free. Click here to see details.

Restaurant.com gift certificates are currently 80% off through March 31st. That's $2 for a $25 gift certificate! The code is: COOK Be sure to read the terms and requirements because they are different with every restaurant. (thanks Charlotte on the Cheap)

Richelle

Train Up Tuesday: The Great Outdoors + Springtime = Great Opportunities for Family Building!

So, there are a couple of things that have inspired this week’s TUT entry: 1. My family recently returned from a trip to one of my favorite places; 2. Tedd Tripp of Shepherding a Child’s Heart encourages family activities rather than individualized special-skill developmental activities to promote family unity.

It’s so funny with me; with each changing season, perhaps it’s the anticipation, but I’m usually more excited about the season I’m entering that the one I’m leaving. Such is the case with SPRING!!!...maybe more so this year because we’ve had more than our normal share of wintry weather.

Recently, my family of four took a trip to San Diego (I just love that area!). It was a first plane trip for our youngest guy (not quite 2 years old...and next week, I’ll talk about occupying kiddos on trips!). Even though such a trip can seem overwhelming with little ones, I think it is something that one should embrace. The experience can be very rewarding! A change of scenery, new experiences, different opportunities - all those things are wonderful for little growing minds (not to mention for their parents). Trips like these also provide great moments to see different sides of each family member and see what they are capable of (for instance, my 4 1/2 year old seemed like a frequent flyer with how well he handled the traveling) and to learn more about what each person enjoys about different places.

Besides traveling great distances via air or road trips, families have so many possibilities (especially in the warmer weather) to participate in fun family activities. Maybe it’s bike riding, sailing, fishing, cloud watching, visiting various parks, star gazing, hiking, camping, surfing. We could go on and on. Every family should find a favorite activity that they “own”, to encourage each other, to grow with each other, to learn from each other, and to build upon each other into a strong family. I have a couple of suggestions that I’d like to share with you.

Have you heard of Letterboxing? It is the treasure hunt that involves solving clues and exploration to find a package in the great outdoors. “Teams” (often families) find clues online. Sometimes they are cryptic, but other times they are plain and simple. The tracker hunts for a box that at least contains a log book and a stamp. The “team” stamps their own personal log book and then records their find in the letterbox book along with their own personal stamp (which maybe a store bought or handmade stamp). I understand it can be quite simple - see the video below of the sweet young girl making such a finding:



You can find out much more information about Letterboxing here. You may be surprised that you don’t have to even journey too far from home to do this activity!

Similar to Letterboxing is Geocaching; though, don’t tell fans of either, because I’m sure they are “completely different!”. ;-) With Geocaching, however, clues are based on coordinates plugged into a GPS. Also, rather than stamps, trackers locate a container holding a small “prize” or token (replacing it with one of equal worth). It seems to be a little more difficult to find the container than with Letterboxing since the clues with Geocaching leads you to an area rather than a specific hiding spot. See more info here and then watch this video:




The great thing about either of these treasure hunts is that it is something free you could do on almost any trip! Personally, I would consider Letterboxing with smaller children and Geocaching perhaps as they get a little older (although I’m sure that families of any demographic participate in each). Think of the stories that your family could have on your little exploration adventures....even if you don’t find the hidden prize (as seen here).



Isn’t that precious! But indeed, you can probably attest to the fact that many times our most memorable stories and learning opportunities come when things don’t go quite as planned.

Even if you don’t go to quite these lengths to find real, solid family time, simple hikes through your own back woods or a nearby park or someplace close that you’ve never explored together can provide some great bonding times.

So what are your family’s favorite building activities? Have any of you tried Letterboxing or Geocaching? What are your thoughts and stories?

Enjoy the sunshine (I sure am!),

Ashlie

Stay at Home Saturday

No need for that V-8! There are ways to sneak fruits and veggies into your kids’ diets (and husbands as well!!) that are quick and painless. Trust me, I’m an expert at this because my son is a textbook picky eater. For the past 2 years, since the books Deceptively Delicious and The Sneaky Chef have been out, I’ve been into hiding veggies into my kids’ foods. It seems weird at first, but it quickly becomes second nature.

If you’ll make friends with your food processor, immersion blender, and the baby food aisle, you can add veggies with the best of them. I’m not going to go into the details of pureeing here, but if you’re interested in more information I strongly suggest the two books mentioned above. Even if you’re not interested in changing your entire eating life, but would like to easily throw some nutrients into your food now and then, here are some ideas:

- Throw a handful of carrots into your food processor and chop very finely; stir into spaghetti sauce. You can also use leftover (unsweetened) sweet potatoes for this, or just dump in a container or two of carrot or sweet potato baby food. Trust me, the colors blend right in and no one but you will know!

- Do the same method above, but with pizza sauce!

- I do this one a lot: add a handful of frozen blueberries to oatmeal as it cooks, puree to combine. My baby loves her purple oatmeal! I also cook her oatmeal in milk for added protein and calcium (soy milk, that is. She can’t drink regular milk). Apple works well with this too.

- Make a smoothie to drink with breakfast or as a snack in no time (this is where my beloved immersion blender comes in): mix vanilla yogurt, orange or apple juice, and frozen fruits of choice (try strawberries and bananas, or mixed berries). I buy fruits when they’re on sale and freeze them, or I buy bags of frozen fruits on sale. When you use vanilla yogurt there’s no need to add extra sugar.

- These pancakes are my favorite way to get my son to eat fruit. However, because I’m lazy I don’t do the spinach and blueberry puree anymore (yes, you read that right). Instead I just run a large handful of frozen blueberries under water to defrost them, and I puree with a little water until smooth. My son doesn’t know that his beloved chocolate chip pancakes are chocked full of antioxidants!

What do you do to get more nutrients into your family? I’d love some new ideas!

Love,

Amy

My daughter’s favorite blueberry oatmeal

A Great Deal on a Great Book!

Hey friends,

I want to let you know that Passionate Housewives Desperate for God is on sale on through March 20 along with hundreds of other great items from toys to videos to books (that are 50-75% off!) for your family on visionforum.com.

You've already read a review on this book and we've introduced you to other great resources from this company.

Have a happy weekend!

-Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: March GIVEAWAY Winner Announced

Drumroll, please.....

Bbbbbdddddddddddddddddddddd....

The winner of the March Giveaway "Jesus Storybook Bible" is:

The Westmorelands!!!

It looks like you guys will have another JSB to give to someone you love (since you are already big fans). What a great discipleship and evangelistic tool to give to your friends and neighbors!

If you didn't win, I still strongly encourage you to find this wonderful Bible at your local Christian bookstore or order it online. It will be one of the best investments for your family's library - one that you will eagerly pull off the shelves again and again.

Much love,
Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: Book Review - "Shepherding a Child's Heart" by Dr. Tedd Tripp

First, let me remind you to enter our MARCH GIVEAWAY to win a JESUS STORYBOOK BIBLE! Deadline for entry is 6:00pm EST on March 11th!

Now for this week. A few weeks ago, I mentioned my excitement and anticipation of sharing a godly parenting resource with you. Today, I’m finally doing that!

The book is Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Dr. Tedd Tripp (I read the revised and updated edition from 2005). This book is a breath of fresh air to those parents who are trying to do what is right but feel that perhaps some of their understanding or methodology has become muddled. I understand. As I mentioned, I have been guilty of being the type of parent that takes a little advice from here and there, using a little of this method for a short period, then another method that I read about it a “good child development” book, hopefully braced on the back of my beliefs of what a godly parent should do. All in all, it lead to confusion for me, my husband, and my children.

A couple years ago, after sitting through some solid teachings about what the Bible says about discipline, I became eager to see how that works in today’s world. I read one book that was pretty good, but seemed to ONLY talk about spanking - how, where, how often, etc. Although it helped some, there was still something lacking in the discipline.

Then, I came across Tedd Tripp’s book on a great Christian resource website: visionforum.com. I had already purchased a few items from the site and had not been disappointed. So, I gave this book a try. The title alone, Shepherding a Child’s Heart appealed to me.

Let me tell you, it will be difficult for me to hold back all I want to share, but I will, because I really want you to buy this book! So, I will touch on the some summary points as laid out in Chapter 13:

This book relates to the “heart” of the matter, truly. How God is concerned with our heart, and that of our children. We as humans and parents get so caught up in the behaviors (“the what of behavior rather than the why”) and become focused on behavior modification that we end up missing the “heart” completely! Tripp points out that when we miss that, we also “miss the subtle idols of the heart.”

“Idols?” you may ask. Bear with me. Tedd Tripp points out that every child is a “worshiper” by nature. The “orientation” of their heart towards God determines the behavior that results (the behaviors overflow from the heart!). Every method of discipline trains the heart. Whatever is the motivation behind the method of discipline molds the heart. It may be “fear of man”, “greed”, “self-reliance”, “bribery”, “selfishness”, “manipulation”. Think about various methods and the resulting “idols” that they can point a child’s heart towards.

It is our role as parents to direct these young hearts towards Christ not only through their outward behavior but ultimately the “attitudes of their hearts,” even it was seems like the simplest of misbehaviors (like not sharing a toy...it’s more than just a matter of who had it first, but you’ll have to read the book to get the whole picture).

That is what makes this book so different from other parenting books...even “good, Christian parenting” books. Tripp speaks of outward shaping influences that can affect a child and our desire to provide good shaping influences. But he doesn’t stop there, because we aren’t just products of our environment (please don’t tell that to all the “victims” out there!). No, it all comes down to how each child “respond[s] to God in the context of those shaping influences.” We want to train our children to be able to examine their responses as well.

Today, many people are intimidated to really take on the role of authority...anywhere, much less in the parenting position (as in, “hello, where are all the real men?”). But, this parenting role isn’t something that should make us cringe or try to mask. Our authority isn’t our own. Children shouldn’t even necessarily obey “because I said so.” We are going on God’s authority, His mission. It is our goal is to help our children know God and ultimately themselves. Knowing this as parents not only encourages us to do this difficult task because it is not our own, but it also keeps us from overdoing it (as in that unholy rage that may come over you while you “discipline”...or rather punish) and taking personal offense when “we” aren’t obeyed. And with this understanding, it makes it much clearer to see where each behavior becomes an offense to God, therefore, enables us to point their hearts towards Him. This method shows that discipline and love go hand in hand and aren’t separate issues.

Speaking of “methods”, Shepherding a Child’s Heart makes it clear as to why there are only 2 methods that will accomplish the biblical goals afore mentioned. That’s probably the most difficult part of the book to take for many. Perhaps it’s because parents are already pleased with the “external behaviors” their children have learned or they are afraid to implement the rod of correction (or...*gulp*...spankings) in today’s world. As Tripp points out however, that is often due to the fact that the parent is not truly aware of what the Biblical use of the rod is, or they may be afraid of what “damage” this could do to a child, or...sadly enough, and difficult to say, they may not really, truly love their child in the way the Bible says. But, the rod is only one part of the discipline, and what may surprise you, is NOT the major focus of the book. The other method is communication so that “your child is known and understood” and can be lead to the heart of Christ and so that you not only walk in authority as God’s agent over your child but also alongside him needing the same mercy and grace of the Savior.

Other helpful chapters in this book include examining your parenting goals and understanding why things such as even “saved children”, “family worship”, and “well behaved children” are “unbiblical” in and of themselves. Rather than leaving the reader dejected, Dr. Tripp then explains how to rethink and rework these goals. He also goes through unbiblical methods and approaches to discipline and parenting, which is important to understand in order to willingly embrace what the Bible actually commands (communication, on which he elaborates for 3 chapters; the rod, which he further discusses in 1 chapter; and appealing to the conscience, also 2 chapter).

Of further help to the parent who has now learned what Biblical parenting is and isn’t, Dr. Tedd Tripp spells out the training objectives and procedures for infancy to childhood, childhood, and adolescence because each phase of development requires very different objectives and procedures.

ALL of this is done with Scripture (over 100 passages mentioned) as the guide and anchor, rather than even simply a Christian psychologist’s expert opinion.

Now, I know when reading such an article, the knee-jerk reaction is to comment on the blog and the blogger’s opinion. But, let me encourage and challenge you to read the book in light of the Scriptures mentioned in it’s entirety.

Good Works

As human beings we tend to personalize our works. What I mean is that we assign an anticipated outcome or and expected response from those that are recipients of our efforts. Often the results do not align with our hopes and we find ourselves defeated, drug down and frustrated.

For example a simple dinner can become a totally disappointment. We spend the time lovingly shopping for the food, planning the meal and getting it out on the table so our hungry children and husbands can delight in our culinary skills. The first response from my six year old is "yuck, I don't like this!". Ok..I personalize it! Yes, this is a "great" teachable moment BUT I feel a little discouraged.

The Bible teaches us that we are God's workman, created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared in advance for us to do (paraphrase Ephesians 2:10). It is key to see that God prepared the works for us to do but He doesn't say anything about the results. It is time for us to focus in our responsibility and let God be the results man. We are the tool, He is the power that moves and directs us. Our response to God is our choice. We are are called to wake up and say "your will not mine". Nothing we do is of any lasting value when it is done of our own strength and design. It changed my life when I realized I was creating my own works and not being available for what God wanted me to be doing. His Word tells us to "be still". Well that is not going to get the dishes done, the bills paid and this body looking like it did when I was 18! The point is when we are available to God and His plan there will be enough time to do the job He has called you and me to do. If you are out of time you probably are not living on God's schedule.

I want to be clear that works have NOTHING to do with eternal salvation (going to heaven). Salvation is a free gift that is by faith alone (Eph 2:8-9). Our works are designed for God to be glorified in and through us! Our faith cannot be based on a human action but on the power of God working in us (1 Cor 2:5).

The challenge to wives and mothers... work as working for the Lord and don't personalize the response. 1 Thess 5:16, "Be joyful always, pray continually, in EVERYTHING give thanks for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." May your joy be contagious and the Spirit of God fill your homes and marriages with love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control!

Growing up but letting go of my will,
Annie

Stay at Home Saturday

TNT Tip

If you’re ever intimidated or nervous to cook a big meal because nothing is ever done at the same time, try counting backwards to time it right. For example, I was making a friend a meal today and I needed for everything to be done at 10:00 am. Here’s how to set that up:

1. Prep as much as possible the night before and have your ingredients ready to go in the morning. For me that was to trim chicken, make BBQ sauce, and bake cookies.

2. Make a schedule of all that needs to be done, working backwards from 10:00.

- Peas and Asparagus take 15 minutes, so they go on at 9:45

- Rice takes 30 minutes, so it goes on at 9:30

- Corn pudding takes 45 minutes, so it goes in at 9:15

- Chicken takes 60 minutes, so it goes in at 9:00

3. When I awoke this morning, I knew that I needed to be in the kitchen by 8:45 to have the chicken ready to go in the oven at 9:00. That meant that I needed to be dressed and the kids needed to be squared away by 8:30 . . . you get the picture. Everything was indeed ready on time!

Asparagus, Peas, and Basil (Piselli Con Asparagi E Basilico)

Serves 6

Here is a lovely little recipe from Gourmet magazine that my family’s been making a lot lately. It’s simple, tasty, and a nice break from the ordinary green bean or broccoli recipe.

1/4 cup finely chopped shallots (about 2)

3 Tbsp. butter

2 lbs. asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

10 oz. package thawed frozen peas

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

3/4 cup torn basil leaves

1. Cook shallots in butter in a heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until just tender, about 4 minutes.

2. Stir in asparagus, peas, salt, and pepper, then seal skillet with foil.

3. Cook over medium heat until vegetables are tender but still slightly al dente, about 8 minutes. Stir in basil and salt to taste.

Love,

Amy

Train Up Tuesday: March GIVEAWAY!!!

"Winds of March, we welcome you,

There is work for you to do.

Work and play and blow all day,

Blow the Winter wind away."

I don’t know about you, but the weather where I am leaves me longing for spring more this year than in years past! I need something to perk me up! What about you?

If you’ve been following RWAV for a while, you may remember a couple of blog entries mentioning the “Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name,” by Sally Lloyd Jones.

Late last year, my family purchased this book and began reading it to our boys. Wow, we were blown away at the writing and the illustrations! It is certainly a rarity to find a children’s devotional book that parents are eager to read from cover to cover when the kids are put to bed. This book truly connects so many of the stories from the Old and New Testaments to show the common theme of humanity’s need for a “Rescuer.” I think every family should have this as part of their library.

So, we are giving away one of these books! Would you like a chance to win? From March 2 to March 11 (6:00PM EST), we will be accepting entries. Make sure that you leave your email address in at least one of your entries (which means no “Anonymous” entries would work). You have a few chances to enter, so you will need to leave separate comment for each of these chances (meaning for 5 chances, 5 comments):

1. Leave a comment telling your favorite Bible story that you share with your children or the Bible story they request the most often.
2. Become a Roof With a View blog follower (leave a comment saying that you are). OR If you are already a RWAV follower, leave a comment saying that you are.
3. Become a RWAV fan on Facebook (leave a comment below that you are) OR leave a comment that you already are a fan.
4. Become a “Jesus Storybook Bible” Fan on Facebook (leave a comment below saying you have) OR if you already are a fan, leave a comment below saying that you are.
5. Blog about this giveaway and leave a link in the comments section below.

Want to find out more about this book? You can read the book’s introduction here, where the author explains what the Bible is and isn’t (this alone was all the convincing I needed to read our way through this book). Also, check out The Jesus Storybook Bible’s site for more information and videos updated weekly featuring different stories from this Bible.

Hope that warms up your day a little!

-Ashlie

You are cordially invited to my art show!

Dr. Suess' birthday is Tuesday, and in honor of that, my son's 1st grade teacher is sending home a book for each kid and a journal for them to write in about the book. His teacher asked me to illustrate the journal covers (something I had done for her before) and I was ecstatic!

**Now, let me back up here and say, I've always secretly wished I could be an artist. Well, along with a lot of other things...a singer, a dancer, Miss America, a journalist, a news anchor, tinkerbell...you see what I mean. There was a girl in my high school named Courtney who could draw. I mean, REALLY draw. She would use her imagination and whip up something on her notebook paper that would astound us. I always wished I had that talent. When I was a cheerleader, we had to make banners for the games to post throughout the school. I LOVED when it was my turn. The football players didn't always love it however...for example: one time I made a huge banner that said "Bee (with a picture of a BEE) there, or bee (another picture of a BEE) square. Now, our mascot was the Bulldogs. So you can imagine how my cheesiness in the banner making didn't say much about our MIGHTY, FIERCE, UNSTOPPABLE, Bulldogs.**

Fast forward to today...here I am, a wife, a mother of 2, and I never thought I'd need my artistry skills again, but ALAS, destiny has come knocking! :)

Please enjoy for FREE: (next time there will be a charge:)