Martina McBride had plenty of amazing opportunities throughout her illustrious career, but she could have had even more. The Kansas native was at the height of her career when she became a mom to daughter Delaney, now 26, followed by Emma, who is now 23 and 16-year-old Ava. Her role as a mother made her say no to things that could have advanced her career even more, decisions she has never regretted.

“It became my priority,” McBride tells People. “I felt like it was important for me to try to keep things as sane and normal as possible for the kids, so I turned down a lot: TV opportunities and touring overseas for extended periods of time. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

McBride might have said no to some things, but what she received in return was invaluable to her, which is why she has no regrets.

“I really did get the best of both worlds,” McBride reflects. “I got to have this amazing, exciting, fulfilling career, and I got to raise these human beings who are just the loves of my life.”

McBride could have afforded to give her children a lavish lifestyle, but she made sure they were brought up the same way she was, which is very frugally. Instead of giving her children extravagant presents, McBride and her husband, John, chose to make them work for the things they wanted.

“I feel like it robs them of their satisfaction when they do a good job or they earn something,” McBride maintains. “I mean, there have been times where I’ve been like, ‘This is ridiculous. My kid has one pair of shoes. Why does she just have one pair of shoes?’ But I had one pair of shoes when I was a kid, and I was fine.'”

Ava is still in high school, while Delaney is a massage therapist, personal chef and doula, and Emma is an aspiring actress — and their mom couldn’t be more proud of who they are becoming.

They are the most amazing kids,” boasts the singer. “Right now, all three of them are at home with us in Nashville, and when we can all get together, it’s so special.”

McBride has not only succeeded in her role as a mother, but she has had a successful marriage as well. McBride and John have been married for more than 33 years, with their love only growing stronger over time.

“John and I really like hanging out and experiencing new things together,” McBride tells People. “We try to go out once a week, even if it’s just to go grab a beer or a cup of coffee or go for a walk.”

Read ‘Martina McBride: 11 Things to Know About the Powerful Singer’ here.