Honestly, I didn't look up the definition of "theory" when I wrote the above description. I think the strength of this program is that it does look at both sides--both the strengths and weaknesses of the evolutionary argument. I took the word "theory" from their promotional materials, but I mainly wanted to point out that it doesn't present a one-sided view of the world---which I've personally found as a negative in both Christian materials and secular materials. (Since the OP seems to be a Christian, I assume she wouldn't be offended by something that looks at both the strengths and weaknesses of arguments regarding evolution.) I've *tried* to find materials that *objectively* provide strengths/weaknesses of various arguments and have found that's it's nearly impossible. That's why I'd love to find something that does this----just *pure logic*, no putdowns of those with other beliefs, no presenting the weakest debate point of the "other" side and shooting it down, just strengths/weaknesses of various perspectives. I want to present my son with all viewpoints and have *him* evaluate them for merit. But objectivity is very hard to find--I've spent *hours* looking and found this resource through my son's science mentor who is an accomplished scientist. I truly would LOVE to find objective materials that examine different ways to interpret data. Feel free to message me if you have suggestions that are objective about these matters.

We recently went to an event with Tom Gilson, author of Confronting the Irrationality of the New Atheism. Interestingly, the book you mentioned was his highest recommendation in preparing teens. My son's science mentor also recommended On Guard: http://www.reasonablefaith.org/on-guard-book

It would be worth checking. Vitamin D is a hormone precursor, so a deficiency can affect a lot of different hormone level and wreak havoc on the hormonal system. Plus, low levels have other negative health effects. It's a very simple thing to fix.

(I'm on my mobile and can't link now.). If you click on a product in her curriculum store, you can view the first 1-2 chapters. She's very generous with samples and free downloads.

Ok. You all convinced me. This is for my 6 year old, and my plan is to not redecorate until he's old enough to make changes himself (teenage?). I was afraid he would regret it in a year or two, and I really don't want to it again. (I don't enjoy decorating which is why he's in a room with baby wallpaper that his older brother peeled strips off of 9 years ago.). He likes yellow, so we'll go with yellow. Anything is better than what he has now. Thanks for helping me with the decision!

This may not be the solution you're looking for, but we just tuck it away and bring it out at lesson time. It's been under a bed, under a couch, and behind a cabinet at various time in our homeschooling. Just slide it away, slide it back out. Easy peasy!

Is gray, white, and yellow too feminine? I want to make ds's room something that he won't outgrow for a good long while. I planned to do some gray and white with a bright color that could be changed out. I gave him a huge choice in colors, and he like yellow. Would it look girlie to have that color scheme? (Orange was a second choice which seems more masculine to me . . . but I *did* give him a choice.)

The Otterbox is known for being pretty indestructible. If a phone is dropped, the corners and the screen are the most vulnerable, so I looked for something with extra protection in those areas. (I personally didn't prefer the Otterbox.) I chose the Ballistic Jewel which is inexpensive, has a taller lip above the screen (which swipers don't always like), and air cushion corners. It's advertised as being drop test safe for 6+ feet. I also purchased a good screen protector. I don't have insurance.

Surely, someone has done a vitamin D test? Was it normal? I had cyclical and hormone problems for 15 years, found out my vitamin D was extremely low, and all my issues resolved when it became close to the normal range.

Has he ever had a scope? (I know you mentioned ruling out celiac, but I'm not sure if that was just bloodwork.) Is it possible that he associates food with pain? We went through some issues with my oldest (esophagal inflammation resulting in refusal to eat--no reflux symptoms at all). He never mentioned feeling pain because he always had pain and just thought it was "normal." So sorry you're dealing with this! It's a very difficult issue with so many possible causes. Many people don't understand. Hope you find a solution soon!

http://www.exploreevolution.com/ <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pM6XT_6v5QE?rel=0"frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> Not a full biology curriculum, but it can go with whichever one you choose. It looks at evolution as a theory, weighing its stronger and weaker debate points. I don't believe it mentions creationism though--just an evaluation of evolution as a theory. I haven't found anything else like this, but I would love to hear if there is another resource that looks indepth at both evolution and ID or creationism from a fair and logical perspective.

Another vote for sheppardsoftware. We love them!

We used The Elements by Ellen McHenry and the free chemistry unit at Homeschoolshare.com. They dovetailed nicely, and it still leaves times to work on physics as well.

IMHO, Kids of Integrity is one of the best free resources on the internet. I've used the material in groups and within our family, and the results have been fantastic. Your kids are the perfect age for it too! http://www.kidsofintegrity.com/

You might want to take a look at Truthquest History. There is no structure, and it's a very flexible program. If you want a rigid schedule, look elsewhere. We like it because it's easy to tailor. Ds can go as indepth into topics as he wants or just gloss over them if we choose. We can add lapbooking, timeline, mapwork, and notebooking easily by purchasing the supplements--or we pick-and-choose the supplements or we can do without those. It's based on living books which we also like. It's very easy to make the program fit your family rather than vice versa. For science, you may want to try Building Foundations of Scientific Understanding. It's another program that can go into great depth if you choose, but it's extremely flexible. There are activities/experiments, living books recommendations, etc. The strength of the program is that it fosters critical thinking. The "weakness" is that it's not open-and-go, though I've learned how to be very efficient in lesson prep so it takes little time. Another science option we love is Ellen McHenry's units. Can't beat the depth of information while still being so kid-friendly. Love them!

I never would have thought of that! I'll have to watch for deals through them. Thanks!

I'm thinking about doing something like this for ds's room: http://www.milkandcookiesblog.com/geek-projects-narnia-middle-earth-doctor-who-star-trek-and-beyond/ Would this work or will the modge podge make the printing run? Would I need to print on laser or inkjet? Would it work just as well if I adhere it to canvas instead of wood? Love this idea, but I've never done a project like this before. Advice?

Good Master! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village

I'm very technologically-challenged but just gave up my nice simple flip phone for an iPhone. I would like to access a couple of the photo albums on my computer with my phone, but I don't want all the photos to sync. Is there a way to do this with iCloud or will it sync all photos? Is iTunes a better option? (I've been watching iPhone Youtube videos all week, and I'm so lost!)

Ugh. We do it every year at the dr's office, so I should know this. I'm not 100% sure, but I think they have him wear headphones. Is it a better evaluation with or without them?

Thank you, Daria! That helps a lot! Ds is a tricky one because he really does mask and compensate extremely well. Even people who interact with him regularly usually don't realize there is an issue. He's just had a routine hearing screening at his pediatric appts (and possibly at public school last year if schools still doing hearing checks). He doesn't show any signs of a hearing issue, and I really suspect it's something else given the memory issues. For example, he can ask a question and get an immediate response and then has to ask what the questions was *that he just asked* because he's forgotten. This doesn't happen nearly as much as it used to, but it still does happen. Since he doesn't remember what he's spoken, it doesn't seem like a hearing issue to me. Would a typically screening be enough to flag an issue if one is there?

I would need to inquire about a speech pathologist, right? Would that be the correct credential for receptive language testing? I know different professionals have different areas of expertise. I need to ask for someone who is knowledgeable about receptive language skills? I just want to make sure I know the right words to use to try to get the person who can best assess ds.

I had not heard about these! I'll go look them up right now. He's *such* a visual learner, so these sound like they would be a good fit for him!

Right now I am trying to find some items from Gander Publications (http://www.ganderpublishing.com/), but I'd like to know of any used forums for future reference. It never occurred to me to check ebay!

I hadn't really thought about seeking out a private speech therapist for an evaluation. I think I'll talk with some local parents and see if there is someone they would recommend. Thanks!