Welcome, monimagnet.
So glad you decided to de-lurk and introduce yourself.
I'm exhausted just hearing about all your children and grandchildren!
As for creating Sims, Russ and Jen have given you good advice.
Go on a downloading spree for quality genetics.
In addition to fabulous makeup and eyes, I would suggest a good amount of beautiful hair, brows & skin, too.
I would also Google BodyShop tutorials, if you do not know your way around the program.
And as Jen and Russ have suggested, feel free to
ask questions & don't be afraid to experiment with the sliders in BodyShop.
I must confess, I was at one time fearful of changing cheekbones and jawlines, but I'm getting more daring.
It's a learning process and I'm still working to improve my Sim models, even after all this time.
Good luck to you and thank you for being here.