But it wasn't just an "s" on the end. It was a 3 before the word kids and the word them used three different times! It just did not seem like it could be a typo with some many things indicating the higher number. That is why I gave you the benefit of the doubt and figured you were doing the natural thing and "protecting" your brother as there is no other nice reason I can think of for changing your story (doesn't mean there isn't one--I just can't think of it

)
Glad to hear you are holding him responsible for his actions

The way your post came off when you only talked about her abandoning HER children just did not give that impression. it can be hard to get your meaning across on a message board
Then why did you bring up the kids?

They really have nothing to do with that situation (other than it is commendable that she is working and --hopefully--trying to support her kids financially; which is a major stretch to make them fit into the narrow subject you say you want to keep the thread to).
Well if you have to deal with them at a family gathering once in a while fine--but don't harp on them then and certainly not after. Tell your mom you don't want to hear it every single time she does it. If she doesn't stop talking then leave (or ask her to leave, or hang up the phone, etc). Eventually she will get the hint.
ETA--I have no particular memories of anything else you have posted in the past and only vaguely recognize your username so my posts have nothing to do with whatever you may have posted about your step sons or DH or aunt or whoever and are based solely on your posts on this very thread. It seems that that is important to you--so I thought I would throw that out there.