hi terri, i was disillusioned about the closeness of me and my brother about 3 1/2 years ago now! sad situation but when you have no control to change it, you just have to move on.
I think your mum doing that was odd but maybe she was under pressure from your brother, maybe she felt she had said bye before the date of her actually going. maybe she just ran out of time, who knows.? All you can do is ask her on her return. Im sure there will be a simple explanation for it. :-)
pmt is a "get out of all" excuse and its unfair of your partner to suggest that something important to you is caused by this! Mans way when he doesnt understand womans emotions! :-)
I think you have good reason to question her actions.! and yes, it is easy to get slightly paranoid when you've been treated badly by someone you care greatly for. I know! Not sure this is the case here though. I wouldnt like it !!! I also think this time of the year makes us more sensitive to stuff like this.
all the best, you have a lovely christmas.