TRAVIS AND Carrie Moore put forth a team effort to keep up with their family’s schedule. All five of the Moores are dedicated to supporting each other and to pursuing their own favorite activities. Carrie teaches kindergarten at Bel-Aire Elementary School, and Travis serves as principal at Jack T. Farrar Elementary. He also plays an active role in the Tullahoma sports community, coaching teams or officiating games. Each of their three children is involved in Tullahoma sports — gymnastics, track, baseball, and basketball. There’s no doubt their calendar stays full.
So how do they make family a priority when their lives are so hectic?
Carrie said she is no expert, but she and her family have come up with their own system to make life work. Their daughters, Evvie, 15, and Bailey, 14, and their son, Ty, 10, are each allowed to play a sport and to have personal time for their interests.
“Many times, Travis and I find ourselves running shuttles to and from sporting events,” she said, “but once we settle back at home, the kitchen seems to be the place we all reconnect. We talk about daily events and share funny stories.”
According to Travis, it’s also necessary to escape if only for a little while.
Travis and Carrie enjoy taking trips and vacations with their crew, scoring precious memories as they unwind. It’s helpful that Carrie also works for Castle and Crown Travel Boutique, where she helps families, including her own, plan their adventures.
“Travis and I use trips we take as ‘research’ to help others, of course,” she said with a wink. “We also try to take date nights and short getaways when our schedules allow.”
The main thing is they try to be together as often as they can. Fortunately, the family members’ individual love of sports and competition unites them. Sometimes they sit around the table playing a board game. Other times, they serve as each other’s pep squad.
“We don’t force our children to attend each other’s games,” Travis said, “But sometimes they ask to go. They enjoy cheering each other on.”
The love of healthy competition runs deep in the Moore family.
When Travis was a student at Tullahoma High School, he played both football and baseball all four years, and basketball for two years.
“I was fortunate to be able to play baseball on a collegiate level,” he said. “I started out playing for Motlow State Community College and then went on to play for Union in Jackson, Tennessee.”
Carrie was also active in high school. She also attended Tullahoma High School and was a member of both the soccer team and the Aristocats, a competitive music ensemble with singing and high-energy dance choreography.
While their own family is their top priority, Carrie and Travis also love and take pride in their school families. They want their “other kids” to know they are loved and can succeed as they learn. Their three children at home help Carrie and Travis appreciate the joys of diverse personalities.
“Evvie, our oldest, is often very serious and studious, but she definitely has a funny side,” Carrie said. “She started her own business making sugar cookies to help support her favorite activities, such as taking gymnastics and hanging out with friends.
“Bailey, our middle child, is full of one-liners and funny reactions but also has the kindest heart. She plays travel soccer with Action Elite, where she plays in the midfield.”
“And then there’s Ty. He is a good blend of his sisters’ personalities, but with a little more silliness. He’s almost an 11-year-old boy, so I’m sure you can imagine all the things he does to irritate his sisters. He enjoys playing travel baseball with the Tennessee Grit organization.” Carrie said.
As the Moore family navigates life, they are learning the importance of being team players. Travis and Carrie also take turns being coach or team manager, and even referee if needed.
“In a family of five, everyone has to learn to give and take. Travis and I try to teach our children kindness, responsibility, and a hard work ethic, as these qualities will carry them through life,” Carrie said.
Then, with a bit of humor, she added, “I will say my kindness is sometimes tested at sporting events. Raise your hand if you’ve ever been there!”
Even though Carrie and Travis are adamant that their family is not perfect, one thing is for certain — when it comes to love, they are all-stars.
“When it comes to doing family right, I’ve learned to be patient,” Travis said. “I teach my children that we all mess up. We learn how to love through mistakes, and we are always better together.” GN
