Learning about Earth's Atmosphere

We are currently studying Apologia's Astronomy and this week's chapter talked about Earth's atmosphere.  I've seen lots of ways to visually show this on Pinterest, but this is one useful way that I came up with after finding different colored granulated wax and clear jars at Hobby Lobby.
Granulated wax is perfect for kid crafts because it doesn't need to be melted before using.  You just pour it!
Each family (which for our class is two or three kids for the most part) got a glass jar and I explained that each color wax would represent the different layers of the atmosphere.  We had just gone over what all the layers are and information about them and all, so this project was to visually cement the idea in their minds.
They started by putting a glue dot on the end of the wick and gluing it to the bottom of their jar.  Makes it much easier to keep the wick straight while you are pouring layers of wax around it!
Then, they were allowed to take turns filling their jar with the different layers of wax and label which part of the atmosphere it was.

You can see in this picture that I did melt a little bit of the wax to pour over the top to seal it so the wax wouldn't spill for the car ride home with kids.

Pretty cool right?  Earth's Atmosphere Candles = fun and useful science project :)

Awesome Baby Shower Gifts

When I was a kid and my mom was still having babies, there was a lady in our church that would make the most soft and beautiful blankets for every baby that was born.  She kept llamas and would spin and dye the wool herself.  Each blanket was a super treasured heirloom and whenever she came to a baby shower you knew exactly what gift she had brought.
Sadly, by the time I began having babies she no longer kept llamas or made blankets :(
My goal has always been to have some amazing gift that I can bring to baby showers like that.

A Diaper Wallet to throw in a purse, stroller, or the car

Holds about a day's worth of diapers, wipes, and butt cream

Wooden, silicone, and crochet bead teethers - all natural and very, very fun to play with!