![The Shemwells came together as a blended family after both Erica and Spencer's spouses died, leaving 11 children between them. Courtesy TLC](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/PISKPNOAUFDTA5B5OICI2EFI3A.jpg?smart=true&auth=d65a530d14eb7c52b2857710706e1a24b71b05464d248f50593a407d2e168d6a&width=400&height=225)
The Shemwells came together as a blended family after both Erica and Spencer's spouses died, leaving 11 children between them. Courtesy TLC
The Shemwells came together as a blended family after both Erica and Spencer's spouses died, leaving 11 children between them. Courtesy TLC
Making a blended family work: how losing their spouses brought this US couple and their 11 children together
Spencer and Erica Shemwell, stars of a new TLC series, say communication is key when creating a new family unit