Chippewa Falls fiasco

[CNCAppsJames]

I'll be on the lookout for my local resources, then. See what groups I can find around here!

Sounds like you have a great squad on your hands with the boys!

We're weighing the financial aspects now too, it's certainly harder than ever to have only one parent out in the workforce, but you only get 1 chance for them to grow up too. And we're not going to own a home for a long time either way. Been hearing you mneed 160k/yr for a household to get approved for a mortgage up here, and 20% down - but that's a whole 'nother conversation, lol.

Thanks again for your time!

My wife has been a stay at home wife and mom the whole time we've been married (it was 30 years February 26th). Hasn't always been easy, but like you said, you only get one chance. We did it living in California of all places so it is possible. There were times we got food from the church pantry, my wife's parents and my dad helped from time to time... and on the home school front, the first year or so we got some free curriculum from a family who's kids had just graduated. When our last son graduated we donated all our left over curriculum and unused/gently used workbooks to the Co-Op we were part of. I'm pretty sure every year we donated at least a few items especially towards the end. Honestly, that is pretty typical. So, if you want to do this, there ARE resources out there that WILL assist you.

[Jim at Gentex]

Yep.
Co-Ops are the way to go for homeschooling.
Find a good one up front and you will be starting on the right foot. 

As I mentioned, my daughter has been a coordinator for around 10 years.
She and her husband decided early on that homeschooling would be a priority, and they would make the necessary sacrifices to make it happen.

Sharing / Trading resources is THEE best way to go from an economic standpoint, and that's where a good Co-Op will be most helpful.

Also as James said, networking within your parent group is also a HUGE advantage.

Good luck, and keep us posted on your progress!