What's he telling you? He's telling you he want's you back with the kids and in your own houes. What he's IMPLYING is that he wants the family back together.
What's he telling you when he cautions that he's not ready to "work on it", but acknowledges that he can't work on it if you're not there? He's telling you that he knows when he wants to work on it, he needs you there. Usually these two revelations occur kind of simultaniously.
Remember to look for baby steps. And, these are much bigger than baby steps. Lower your expectations, and take things really light and slow.