Buying Textbooks

Finding just the right books to use for instruction is much more difficult than I had anticipated. It seems there are 200 versions of what seems like the same 6th grade Math textbook, than I move on to History...don't get me started....then we got Language Arts, the most irritating of the bunch. Do I buy a separate Writing, Grammar, Spelling, and Literature book?? Or go with supplemental software? Darn this is so confusing. I was fine last year. I had plenty of books to use for 5th grade purchased from used book sales/yard sales or given to me by friends for Math, History, and Science. I used an online program to supplement Spelling and Writing (I usually chose words from the novel we were reading for her Spelling lists), we read several novels and used workbooks for comprehension and LangArts objectives. For Music she continued learning Piano and composers, for Art class we concentrated on art styles (Impressionism, Pointillism) and allowed her to create her own style! That was fun!! Her artwork is framed and hanging in the classroom :) So 5th grade seems worlds away from 6th..... Is it the jump to Middle School??? Oh and she wants me to install a locker this year! Have you all seen how expensive those metal boxes are?? Jeesh!?! Okay, my rant n rave is over. Please help. I think Saxon 6/5 is my choice for our Adv. Mathematics course. LifePac has been my fave for History, Science, and Bible class. Grammerlogues online program is my choice, so far, for Lang Arts. It does incorporate Writing, Spelling, and Reading Comp. I haven't decided on a book for her Latin course. I was a Latin teacher years ago, but the books have changed quite a bit - need suggestions definitely! OH and TeacherFileBox will be my companion for worksheets, "to do's," projects, etc.
So, please respond and help me out with anything you may be able to assist me with in the way of 5-7th grade text book buying! We can help each other! God Bless
-Jamie

Welcome!!!

Hi everyone! Welp...my youngest is going to the 6th grade, a.k.a. Middle School (aaaahhhh) just kidding! I believe I'm the proudest Mommy on the planet but I must admit, I get a tad anxious thinking this may be the turning point for my little girl not being a "little girl" anymore :(  
I'm a homeschool teacher, a Wife, and a Mommy :) Life is busy, fun, hectic, scheduled, (I could go on and on) you get the idea. I wanted a place where I could share my Homeschool journey, meet other Moms, and learn some cool ideas from you all too! This seemed to be the best place. This is my 2nd year as a homeschool teacher and I love it! The decision was difficult at first, but, after it was made....I knew it was the right decision for our family. It's been a very busy and exciting summer. We converted our finished basement into a  new & improved school. Last year we used the dining room and living room (which worked sufficiently), but we needed a room away from distractions. I'm so lucky to have the extra space to use for homeschooling and we'll be finished setting up just in knick of time!
I'd love to know when everyone else will be starting school?? Our first day is August 22 and I couldn't be more thrilled! Our summer has been fun and is ready to come to a happy end. So....to a great year and I can't wait to hear from ALL of you! Happy Days!