This is going to be one of those random posts today.  These are called Terra Eco Pearls.  They start out about the size of a grain of rice.  When water is added to them, they expand to about the size of a marble.  They are usually used as an alternative to potting soil for inside plants.  We found them at the Home & Garden Show this weekend in Des Moines.  They had a sample out so you could feel them and we instantly thought of Rachel.  She runs her hands through them and just loves the feel of them.  It's very soothing and calming to her.  If you let them dry up they will go back to their original size and you just add water to rehydrate them.  That's probably what we'll do so they don't lose their "wow" factor.  I'm including a picture from a website that sells them that shows how they're probably "supposed" to be used and they're very pretty.   Instead of soil you just add an indoor fertilizer to the plant and just water them like normal.  Very eco-friendly things.  Just a fun hint for those kids that need something different to calm down.