Chicki,
I think there is so much negativity placed on crying in front of out kids, like it's an "out of control" emotion. I think if we don't show our kids some emotion, then all they are learning is not to show their emotions...and we all know what happens to bottled up emotions speeeewie.

Like I said, there is always a line, we don't want to cry all the time because then we are teaching our kids to just crawl in a cave when we are faced with adversity. Again, the balancing act.

The bottom line is that we need to take care of ourselves too. I have cried in front of my D10 and just said I was feeling sad at the moment, but I will be ok. She gives me a hug, says it will be ok, walks away and then allows me to grieve. She's so awesome! Above all, DON'T BEAT YOURSELF UP! It's obivous you care so much about your kids, otherwise you would not have started a thread just about them and the best way to react. Trust in yourself that you are a good mom and everything else will fall into place.
UB