You should talk to an immigration attorney. In reading your post, I was unclear of the prior offense mentioned was just being in the country illegally, or some type of criminal matter. If there was no criminal matter, you can write your Congressman or state rep, and explain the situation. If you are extremely lucky, they will sponsor a bill for you, but if there is a criminal record, I'd forget that.
I believe when one of the US citizen children turn 18 they can sponsor you.