This Mama's Family

My husband Luke:



Luke and I met at Walmart in 2001. Ha, who meets their husband at Walmart, right? I got a summer job at Walmart while I was home from college, and he was working in the automotive department at that time. Who knew how that was going to turn out? We were married in October 2007, after 6+ years of dating. Luke works at Great Plains Manufacturing. In his spare time he likes to go to the lake and ride his dirt bike. He has a great sense of humor and he's always making me laugh.

My stepson Zane:





I've had the privilege of knowing Zane since he was 2 1/2 years old. I've gotten to watch him grow up from up a roly poly toddler to a funny, smart, compassionate 16 year old. Luke has had custody of Zane since 2002, so he is a full-time member of our family, but leaves to go to his mom's house every other weekend. Zane is currently a sophomore in high school. He plays trumpet in the band and runs track.  He likes to read, listen to music and play video games. He is the most amazing big brother my daughters could ever ask for.


My daughter Raegan:




Raegan was born on August 25, 2009 after 28 hours of labor. At the time, I certainly wasn't enjoying myself, but now I can say that it was worth every hour and every contraction. :) Raegan was my long awaited prayer. She is so much energy and personality and life wrapped up into a small package. She is intense and her highs are high and lows are loooooow. She is currently in kindergarten, and is reading fluently and working on some big geography projects at school. She loves to read, draw and color, dance and play with her Barbies and princesses.

My second daughter Ava:


Ava is the greatest surprise of my life. We had decided we were done having children, and had a garage sale finally getting rid of all of Raegan's baby things. Turns out I was pregnant at the time and didn't even realize it. Ava joined our family on February 24, 2014 after a very quick, intense labor. She came in to this world so differently from Raegan, and she is so opposite from her in every way. Ava is laid back and go with the flow about everything. She is always smiling and laughing, especially at her big brother and sister. I cannot wait to see who she becomes as she grows up.




And, finally, me (Shannon):


I decided to go with an old picture from our honeymoon, when I was pre-baby and so much skinnier. Ha!

I'm a preschool special education teacher at a local elementary school. I love my job. It took me many years of teaching to find the job that is the perfect fit, but I'm glad I finally did. In the non-existent spare time I have, I like baking, reading and taking walks.