Table Talks with the Tares

We’re kicking off a new series all about setting realistic goals for our family and individually. In this episode, we unpack how our approach to goal-setting has shifted this year being less about crushing checklists and more about cultivating the kind of people we want to become. We’re talking habit-based goals, rightly ordering our loves, and getting clear on wha’s actually important in this sea...

We’re kicking off the year by talking about where we’re at with tech and health in our home because to be honest, both could use a reset. From managing screen time with our kids to realizing we’ve been leaning hard into convenience (hello, Chick-Fil-A nugs), we’re reflecting on what’s working, what’s not, and the one degree changes we’re making to feel more like ourselves again. If you’re needing...

As we wrap up the year, we’re reflecting on the rhythms that helped us keep our sanity in a season of constant unpredictability. From cozy book moments with the kids (thank you, Christmas gifts) to kitchen chaos trying to recreate Gram’s iconic cookies, we’re reflecting on what worked, what didn’t, and what we want more of in the new year. Resources mentioned: Book: https://a.co/d/1FJK5e0 Love Sty...

In this episode, we break down a recent conflict and how we worked through it. We talk about how ADHD shows up in our relationship especially in moments of tension, how differently we experience conflict, and the tools we’re using to move toward each other instead of away. ‌ Next episode recommended: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/143-whats-in-my-adhd-parenting-toolkit-what-actually-helps/i...

In this episode, we’re taking inventory. We share how we’re applying the things we’ve been learning lately to both marriage and parenting, what’s landing, what’s missing, and what needs more attention in this season. It's a real-time check-in and reminder that growth takes time.   Resources mentioned - Books: ADHD is Awesome: A Guide To (Mostly) Thriving With ADHD Hunt, Gather, Parent: What Ancien...

Running on fumes? Same. In this episode, we’re talking about how lack of sleep can crank up the tension in our home and how we’ve learned to recognize and navigate it without turning on each other. It’s honest, practical, and full of the little things that help us reset when we’re running low. ‌ Next episode recommended: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/131-embracing-lifes-lows-strategies-whe...

“Rest is not indulgence, it’s obedience to how we were made.” - Dr. Richard Swenson In this episode, we’re talking about what it actually looks like to create margin in the middle of a full life. From shifting expectations to tweaking routines, we’re sharing the small but intentional changes we’ve made to get more aligned, breathe a little easier, and make space for real rest without dropping the...

We’ve laid the groundwork with our family vision and weekly meetings, and now we’re getting intentional about the kind of values we want to pass on to our kids. In this episode, we share how we’re building a simple system to capture the truths, phrases, and principles that help steer our children’s imaginations and affections toward what is good, true, and beautiful. It’s all about turning big ide...

Family meetings with a newborn?! Yeah, it sounds kind of impossible, but somehow, we’re making it work. In this episode, we talk about how we squeeze in a family meeting, why it’s been clutch for staying connected, and how it helps us stop side-eyeing each other mid-week. It’s not perfect, but it’s been a game changer for keeping communication open and making sure we’re on the same team, especiall...

Let’s be real, crafting a family vision sounds great... until you’re knee-deep in diapers, dishes, and meltdowns. In this episode, we talk about why having a clear vision for our family actually does help in the chaos. From how we parent to how we set the tone in our home, naming where we’re headed brings clarity, peace, and more unity. We share how we’re trying to create language around habits an...

In this episode, we share a real-life glimpse into MJ’s recent road trip… and the not-so-smooth EV charging saga that came with it. It’s light, honest, and a little too relatable if you’ve ever had plans derailed by technology. From range anxiety to recalculating plans on the fly, we’re laughing through it now, but let’s just say it wasn’t funny in the moment. ‌ Next episode recommended: https://p...

We just came back from a family wedding, which meant traveling with kids, staying out of routine, and all with a newborn in tow! In this episode, we talk about what we’ve learned (and are still learning) when it comes to visiting family, how we set expectations, try to keep our rhythms intact, and bounce back when everything goes off track. If you've ever felt both grateful andoverwhelmed by famil...

Sometimes it’s not the present that’s hard, it’s the past creeping back in. In this episode, we talk about when old habits, patterns, or insecurities resurface, especially in seasons of stress or change. We share 3 ways we’ve learned to deal with the past when it reappears and how to respond with honesty, growth, and grace. Whether you're healing, navigating old triggers, or just trying to stay pr...

Inspired by a quote from Jane Lambert, we’re talking about what really matters when the days feel long but the years fly by. Whether it’s MJ at work or Ash at home, we both feel the weight of wanting to be fully present in this season with our kids. In this episode, we reflect on our priorities and how we’re choosing to embrace the young years even when they’re messy, loud, and exhausting. Quote m...

Let’s be honest we think we know the difference between an introvert and an extrovert, but do we really? In this episode, we flip the script and let the extrovert (Ash) have the mic. We talk about how our energy needs clash, how we’ve learned to compromise (kind of), and what it looks like to love each other well when our wiring is so different. It's lighthearted, a little spicy, and definitely fu...

  In this episode, we’re talking all things introvert vs. extrovert, specifically what it’s like when those differences show up in marriage and postpartum life. From clashing needs to figuring out how to give each other space (or connection), we share how we’ve learned to meet in the middle and what we’re still figuring out. Next episode recommended: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/131-embra...

In this episode, Ash gets real about what it’s like parenting with ADHD and how she’s learned to work with her brain instead of against it. From creative hacks to honest moments of chaos, we unpack the wins, the struggles, and the systems that are actually working in this season. Whether you’re an ADHD parent or just trying to find your rhythm, this one’s full of relatable moments and practical id...

We’re deep in the newborn trenches and low on sleep, short on energy, and definitely not operating at 100. In this episode, we get real about how each of us is handling this season, what we’re doing to stay present, and little hacks that are helping us make it through. It’s a conversation about surviving without burning out, giving yourself grace, and holding onto the beauty in the middle of the c...

Our 5-year-old hit us with a big question: “Why do we go to church?” In this episode, we talk about the conversation that followed and how it got us thinking about our own beliefs and the kind of example we want to set for our kids. We share our journey unpacking what it means to be the church, how our view has shifted over the years, and why we’re still choosing to show up. Next episode recommend...

We’re in the thick of postpartum life with baby #3, and in this episode, we’re talking about what’s working and what’s not. From the rhythms we’re surprisingly holding onto, to the ones we’ve hit pause on, we’re keeping it honest about what real life looks like right now. We also chat about our decision to bring back family meetings and how we’re trying to stay connected in the middle of the chaos...

This time around feels different, and we’re talking about it. In this episode, we unpack what postpartum looks like with baby number 3, how our older kids are adjusting, what’s helping us stay (mostly) sane as a couple, the rhythms that are working right now… and what’s definitely on pause. If you’re in the thick of it or gearing up for your own postpartum season, this one's a real-life look at fi...

This birth story was wild! In this episode, we share the whirlwind arrival of our daughter, how labor kicked off fast, escalated even faster, and nearly ended with a delivery right at the ER entrance. From barely making it to the hospital to the moment she was born (in 2 hrs flat!), we’re reliving it all. If you love a good birth story or want to hear how we survived the chaos with a whole lot of...

This one’s honest, reflective, and maybe a little spicy. We’re talking about how our view of starting a family has changed over the past five years and what we wish we'd known back then. From cultural messaging to Biblical vision, we unpack how we’re thinking about God’s design for family, what it’s looked like for us, and the advice we’d give to couples dreaming about their future family. Whether...

We're gearing up for baby #3, and that means diving headfirst into the newborn trenches… again. In this episode, we talk about what it looks like to prep for sleepless nights while still showing up for two other kids who (shocker) still need us. From setting up systems at home to keeping our marriage from combusting under pressure, this one’s real, a little raw, and full of practical thoughts if y...

We’re in the thick of it waiting for baby #3 to make her debut any day now, and this season is stretching us in ways we didn’t expect. In this episode, we talk about what it’s like to sit in the tension of anticipation, grief, and surrender all at once. We’re learning that waiting isn’t just about being still, it requires some action on our part. If you’re in a similar season facing unknown outcom...