Trev,
If you get this before you go, I hope thigs go at least ok at your mom's. Friday's not that far off so take care of yourself while you're away, K?
One other thing, I think you are asking all the right questions. They're questions I wish I'd had the ability to ask, but didn't even know what the questions were. On top of that I had no one to ask, so you've got an advantage. You've got the questions and the people to ask.
Take care,
John