Language curriculum and choosing a homeschooling style

I have spent all night on the computer trying to research grammar programs. I have been using the Flash Kids, but want something more comprehensive. I've looked at Primary Language Lessons, Bob Jones, and Easy Grammar. I've read review after review. Of all the reviews, the biggest complaint about Abeka Language is that it drills a lot. I am using ABeka readers and ABeka Math, so I thought I'd give their Language a try. From all I've read, it is very comprehensive.
I have spent quite a bit of time researching different methods of homeshooling. I wish I could say that one way is THE way for us. There are some that I don't think would work for us at all, like unschooling. I want more structure. Right now, I'll just continue to research and try different things. I guess that method is eclectic. I love literature-based, but I don't have a problem with workbooks or textbooks for different things. It just depends.
Laura is a lot like me, so she agrees. She needs variety and balance. If she has been reading a lot for a lot of different subjects, she gets tired of it and wants a break. However, if we have been doing a lot of workbook work she wants to read more.
In Reading, we like to mix it up. We read lots of books. Laura is almost finished with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. But, I discovered, she likes books with shorter stories too. Some of the ABeka readers are full of short stories and poems. Laura loves that format as well. When we read The Children's Book of Virtues together, we both loved the short stories. After reading Little House in the Big Woods, Om-Kas-Toe, and The Sign of the Beaver; shorter, lighter stories were fun and wonderful.
I have done a lot of reading. Two pieces of advice stay with me. First, all the curriculum is just tools. Second, I have to choose the way I want to homeschool. My methods may be a mix of different methods, but that is alright. My daughter is learning. We are having fun trying different things. I am teaching my daughter about Christ and how He wants us to live. I pray I am honoring Him.
My methods for the next couple years may change here and there, and may be different for different subjects. I wish I had it all planned out what I want to do when. I know what I want to do for the next couple years in certain subjects.
In Science, I plan to stick with a traditional approach until 6th grade, then get into more intensive studies.
In History, I plan to study U.S. History for 4th grade to finish up what we have studied in third. This will be done with both textbook and literature-based methods as I have done this year. I like doing it this way. Laura gets the facts and the Christian perspective, plus stories as if she is living at that time. In 5th grade I will probably switch to a 4-year chronological Christian study like Mystery of History, Story of the World, or Tapestry of Grace.
For everything else I am still researching.