Otw, I'd want my kids with me as much as possible too and I wouldn't consider it babysitting. I agree with you 100% on that point, although I think your approach could use a lot of work. It has to come across as nonjudgmental, and that you are just happy to have the kids. Take the anger and the explanations out of your reasoning here, and just go with the loving father who wants to be with his kids approach.
As far as telling the kids. I don't know the answer here. Probably waiting until the weekend is best. It kind of reminds me of when I used to be an HR manager and we used to try to fire people on Fridays when possible, because then they had the weekend to process things and would be less likely to show up the next day trying to find out "why" and "what if". I know, bad analogy, but that's what comes to mind.
I am sorry you are having it rough O. You are a good dad, I wish you the best.
