Kat: It sure knocks your socks off and reduces your self esteem to ZERO but fortunately - only in the beginning.
I think there is a right person out there if we REALLY want to find them but they don't just fall out of the sky - if you know what I mean.
Like you - I put my kids first. No way I was going to move some guy into my house while I still had my daughter growing up. And whoever I connected with would have to accept Ryan - or it would never work because my 3 kids are a part of ME just as your 4 are a part of YOU. I do think it is harder to date when you're a parent and you have so many responsibilities to your children but it can be done.
Regardless - I think you are doing fabulous! It's not easy raising 4 on your own but I will bet that you will reap a lot of rewards. I know that I do. And they KNOW who did the hard work!
