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A New Adventure Awaits: Our Upcoming Move to Omaha!

As we wrap up the year and look ahead to 2025, Devin and I are thrilled to share some big news: we’re planning a move to Omaha, Nebraska, in March of next year! This decision marks a new chapter for us, filled with excitement, a bit of nervous anticipation, and endless possibilities.

Why Omaha?

You might be wondering, “Why Omaha?” Well, it’s actually a perfect fit for us. Omaha offers that balance of city life and a close-knit community feel, with plenty of green spaces, great local culture, and a growing job market. We were drawn to Omaha’s reputation for its friendly residents, vibrant arts scene, and the perfect mix of city amenities without the overwhelming hustle and bustle of a mega-metropolis.

Plus, the idea of fresh, snowy winters and beautiful Midwestern springs holds its own charm. For us, Omaha feels like a fresh start, and we can’t wait to explore all it has to offer.

Preparing for the Move

As exciting as it is, moving is also a big undertaking. We’ve started making plans, creating lists (so many lists!), and even scheduling some weekend trips to get familiar with Omaha’s neighborhoods. From researching housing options to packing up our things, there’s a lot to do between now and March.

We’re planning to make the transition as smooth as possible, taking time to say goodbye to our favorite spots here while eagerly mapping out our new adventures in Omaha.

Looking Forward

There’s so much to anticipate: exploring the Old Market district, enjoying the local music scene, and discovering new trails and parks for outdoor adventures. And, of course, meeting new friends and neighbors who will help make Omaha feel like home.

For now, we’re soaking up every moment of the planning process. Each step gets us closer to Omaha and this exciting new chapter. So, stay tuned for more updates and a glimpse into our journey. Here’s to new beginnings and a fresh adventure!

[sincerelyhales-blog]

Dreams of Forgiveness: The Mother-in-Law Conundrum

I couldn't help but wonder… why was I having these strange dreams? There I was, standing face to face with my monster-in-law, our eyes soft with forgiveness, tears streaming down our faces. It made no sense, really—this is a woman who sees me as nothing short of the devil incarnate. And yet, here we were, crying like some alternate universe where we actually cared. Was my mind grieving the idea of having a loving mother-in-law? Or maybe, just maybe, I was starting my own journey—one that her son had already begun. Perhaps forgiveness wasn't so much about her… but about me.

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How did I become that girl? You know the one— the girl who supposedly took their son away. But from where I stood, it seemed like they were the ones who pushed him away, no matter how hard he tried to hold on. The cracks in their relationship were there long before I arrived, but somehow I became the scapegoat.

From the moment we started dating, he was adamant: he wanted us to have a good relationship with his parents, especially his mother. I promised to give it my best shot, but the more I saw, the clearer it became. This wasn’t about me. It was about an unhealthy dynamic that had been spiraling long before I walked into the picture. He was grasping at straws to salvage something that was already slipping away.

To them, I’ll always be the girl who stole their son. But in my eyes, they’re the ones who shamelessly favored one child while leaving the other to fend for himself, alone in the shadows. His father even admitted it, casually, in a one-on-one conversation. And just like that, the illusion shattered. I may be the girl who took their son away, but they are the ones who never really cared to keep him close in the first place.

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A Letter I'll Never Send

Dear MIL,

I couldn’t help but wonder, how do relationships that are supposed to nurture us sometimes end up causing the most pain? It’s been quite some time since we last exchanged words, and in the silence between us, I’ve had a lot of space to think. I hope you’re doing well. In many ways, I’ve had to create distance — not just physically, but emotionally — to protect my own sanity. Blocking things out wasn’t just a choice; it was a necessity.

It’s strange how the things people say, the rumors they spread, can leave a permanent imprint on your heart. The idea that I ever said you couldn’t see our future children is simply untrue. And yet, somehow, that false narrative made its way into the air, hurting me and your son in ways I can’t easily put into words. It’s one thing to misunderstand, but it’s another to knowingly spread something that isn’t true — especially when it cuts so deep.

As much as I want to move forward, the way you’ve treated us makes it clear that maintaining a healthy relationship just isn’t possible right now. You seem unwilling, or maybe unable, to step back and see things from a different angle. Life is all about perspective, and sometimes, all it takes is zooming out to see the bigger picture. But that’s something neither your son nor I can help you with. It has to come from within.

So, as I sit here writing this, I find myself hoping that maybe — just maybe — these words will land in a way that inspires a different thought process. Maybe, for the first time in a long time, you’ll see what we’ve been trying to say all along.

Take care, Hales

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Truth in the Storm

Sometimes, difficult situations have a way of revealing truths that were once hard to see. After years of tension, the real motives behind certain actions became clear, and it’s no longer just me noticing the manipulative behavior aimed at our relationship. Ironically, what was intended to push us apart has only made us stronger. Therapy has helped us grow closer, while other connections have faded away. In the end, the truth has a way of surfacing, and we’re in a better place because of it.

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Shields and Shadows

I’m not ready to forgive, not yet. Even if an apology came, the damage you’ve sown over these years lingers. You’ve worked tirelessly to fracture what your son and I have built, weaving false rumors from shadows. Those you named as sources deny your words, leaving your truth to unravel. Now, what you say feels more like projection, a distortion of reality.

Why should I welcome you back when there’s been no apology, only demands for things to go your way? That chapter has closed. You no longer hold a place in my life, nor access to me or those I cherish. The lies you spun have become your world, but I will shield myself and my future children from the storms you’ve created.