I have gone and surprised myself with my twisting-turning approach to planning again. Haha.
After another look in a less discouraged mindset, I think I will reinforce the deteriorating portions of wall with a form and poured concrete. Still less concrete than a conventional build, and making use of the existing structure, which I do believe will still hold weight once sealed in and once the falling/fallen bags are removed.
Any tips on this would be welcome!
Wondering if I will need reinforcement/ties to keep this concrete from falling away/separating from the bags? Some rebar placed in the wall, perhaps?
As for the kids and their helpfulness, I am doing a celebratory happy-dance today because I just camped out on the property with the kids on a *whim* yesterday (big deal considering the preparations often desired with four tiny humans) because being out there with them was actually *enjoyable* rather than just being extremely disheartening and very difficult. It's not their fault, of course, they were all two and four years old last year! It has just been a very trying phase of life. But I am finally back to starting to feel like myself, again! I am outdoors making and doing stuff with my own two hands, which makes my heart very happy.