The Well-Trained Mind is a must have. Just buy it. You won't regret it. It's valuable for the reading lists alone. Also, please come over to the Welltrained mind boards.

I'm not homeschooling now, but I have in the past and feel it might really be the best option for us.

May I ask where you are located? I am in southern RI and now on the lookout for compatriots.