I've kept and raised many the last few years and was indifferent about them really, but I kept a few adult females I found in my backyard this year that really grew on me. They really do have a great personality, and some unique traits, even watching me, my cats, or my dog with interest. The last two females quickly learned when I removed the sponge from the feeding hole they would come over quickly to catch the prey I fed them. I do though have two nymphs that hatched from the other female, and a few more ooths to hatch so I have new generations from their efforts (not to mention the ones they laid outside for next year). 
Thanks, it is a great feeling to know they live on.
It is one of the benefits of the hobby too, with a pair of mantids they can keep reproducing for generations (with a growing population too). 
