The other day it was frigid fifteen degrees outside and we found ourselves cooped up with 15 wiggly, silly preschoolers.  Luckily I had the perfect project for such a day.  Armed with mortar, pestle and a large supply of lavender blossoms, the kids and I settled down for some serious grinding and pounding work.  As we passed the mortar and pestle around our little circle, I encouraged the kiddos to smell the flowers while they pounded.  Within minutes our circle became peaceful with everyone looking on and inhaling the beautifully calming fragrance of lavender.  When we were done playing with the mortar and pestle we took our ground up flowers combined them with salt and lavender essential oil to create a fun art supply.