Gosh I must have missed this thread months ago however here is my HO...
In 2 yrs when the kids are so out of control from having NO DAD in their lives and knowing they can run all over bm, she will be willing to give them up in a heartbeat to DAD who might be able to fix them.....
PS Hope these kids don't come in contact with my steps

.......my steps are adjusted and know they have no choice in the matter and the choice not being from my husband's end as he would gladly take the steps fulltime...but many times of forcing the kids out the door only to shut it in their faces have finally taken hold---they have no choice!