SAHM not by choice

Any SAHM, not by choice? (Questions at the end of my rant)...

So long story short, my MIL offered to move to Cali to come help watch our 3 yo and 2 mo during the day so my husband and I could work. Her own decision btw. But now, my MIL schedule will be changing so she won’t be able to watch them anymore. She could retire but chooses not to and gave my husband and I 4 weeks to find childcare. After weighing the cost of preschool, a sitter and infant daycare (5k a month in SoCal!) we decided to be best that I stay home as childcare would be a financial burden. Anyway, I’m upset. I realized they are our kids but, she specifically moved here to help us because she knows childcare is expensive but decided she wants to keep working instead. I can’t work unless I find a job that is flexible and will allow us to afford care. I’m 31 and stuck at home instead of working in a professional career utilizing my degree. Pretty much until both of my kids are in grade school I will be stuck at home.

How do you sahm get through the day entertaining your children?

How will you get back working when you need to? How do you explain the gap in employment being a sahm?

What free programs or clubs could I join for my kids to interact with other kids? They have no cousins and my friends don’t have kids yet. So socialization is important.