When Jeni met Ray, she was sure about one thing—she never wanted children. Ray wanted at least four kids, and Jeni thought that was crazy. But now, more than 30 years later, they are proud parents of 16 children.
Living in Queensland, Australia, the Bonell family’s life is anything but ordinary. Jeni and Ray manage a big family, including nine boys and seven girls. Their children range in age from 35-year-old Jesse to 10-year-old Katelyn.
Managing 16 kids means a huge grocery bill. Jeni spends $600 every week on food to keep their home stocked. With inflation, the budget has increased, but it’s still a challenge to feed everyone. They go through 50 liters of milk each week and one to two loaves of bread every day.
Keeping up with the Bonells is a full-time job. “Getting a good family photo is difficult,” says Jeni. “You need an extra-wide lens.” But they enjoy these imperfect moments. Life for them is busy, coordinating school, sports, jobs, and studies, but Jeni wouldn’t have it any other way.
Dinner time is another challenge. “Some nights we have eight at the table, other nights more than 20,” says Jeni. The family has learned to stretch their budget with affordable meals, costing between $2 and $10. Jeni often shares tips on YouTube for feeding a large family on a budget.
Jeni also manages the household with a chore chart. The kids pitch in, with some as young as 12 cooking dinner for 20 people. Laundry is another major task, with Jeni doing three loads every day. Despite these challenges, the Bonells make it work, thanks to teamwork.
The Bonells are a deeply religious family, but Jeni insists their large family wasn’t just because of their faith. They’ve made sacrifices to make it all work, but Jeni and Ray wouldn’t change a thing.
The Bonell family shows that with love, organization, and teamwork, even a family of 16 can thrive. It’s not always easy, but for Jeni and Ray, it’s part of the adventure.