Real life can really cut into hobbies for sure, I myself had it happen over the winter. At least you found your way back. Do you have any pet mantids now or know what you want to start again with?
None at the moment. Want another violin. Wife says I can get a sp. Lineola. And I can probably sneak in a ghost. I have had a glass mantis...whata pain. A lineola. And reared a few generations of creos and ghosties.
Well heck if you cared for a Gongylus gongylodes, or managed a few generations of any mantid species, you shouldn't have a problem with any species. If your wanting another violin your best bet is Exo, here is his recent classified ad for them too.
If your wife is on board sounds like your all set then. Can't wait to see some photos later on, of what you do get.