Homeschool Curriculum

Ok so we just got back from a LARGE homeschool convention, around 10,000 people attending and hundreds of vendors. I spoke with many friends about their curriculum choices and while there are so many more choices now than when my husband, Dave, was in school, it feels as though there is still something lacking. One friend we spoke with is Australian, and lives in Brazil with his Brazilian wife and their two kids. They frequent the States, where their mission organization is based. His problem is this: he buys "American" curriculum and so it includes American presidents, holidays and weather, measurements and phonics! He was wanting something that would have metric measurements at the very least! Also, since I am Canadian, I would like to find something to teach Canadian history and heritage to my kids.

So, what do you use and why? How does it work for your family and what have you tried that didn't? Every family is as different as the families that make it up so what works for one might not for another. We all have different needs in regards to time and learning/teaching styles. Which is what makes homeschooling so awesome.

So let's hear it! And could you include links to your favorite homeschooling website?

Thanks!