When Jeni first met her husband, Ray, she was confident about one thing—she never wanted children.

“Ray wanted at least four kids. I thought that was crazy. Like, who has that many children?” Jeni recalled in an interview with Mamamia.

Fast forward over three decades, and the couple now proudly parents 16 children.

Feeding a Family of 18: A Grocery Bill of $600 a Week

If you’re from Australia, you may have heard of the Bonell family. But for those unfamiliar, their daily life is nothing short of extraordinary.

Raising 16 children in Toowoomba, Queensland, Jeni and Ray Bonell have become experts at managing their household with patience, organization, and a good sense of humor. Their family consists of nine boys and seven girls: Jesse (35), Brooke (34), Claire (31), Natalie (30), Karl (28), Samuel (26), Cameron (25), Sabrina (24), Tim (22), Brandon (20), Eve (19), Nate (17), Rachel (16), Eric (15), Damian (14), and Katelyn (10).

Comedian Jim Gaffigan once joked, “You know what it’s like having a fourth kid? Imagine you’re drowning, then someone hands you a baby.” Now, imagine having 16!

Jeni spends around $600 per week just on groceries, and with inflation, that amount has increased by $50. With eight kids still living at home, feeding everyone is a full-time job. Their weekly grocery haul is mind-blowing: 17 three-liter bottles of milk, 14 boxes of cereal, 45 tubs of yogurt, and four dozen eggs.

“We go through 50 liters of milk every week and one to two loaves of bread every day,” Jeni shares.

Capturing the Chaos: Getting a Family Photo is a Challenge

Running a household this large is a logistical puzzle. From school schedules to meal planning, everything must be carefully choreographed.

“Getting a good family photo is difficult,” Jeni laughs. “You need an extra-wide lens, and someone is always looking away, pulling a face, or blinking. But that’s what makes it fun.”

Jeni and Ray juggle a whirlwind of responsibilities, including full-time jobs, part-time gigs, and housework. “I used to think life was busy with little kids,” Jeni admits, “but it’s even busier now with older children.”

With multiple school schedules, extracurricular activities, and jobs to coordinate, it’s a balancing act. “Life is hectic—but in a good way.”

Evenings at the Bonell household reflect the controlled chaos. “Take a regular-sized family and multiply it by eight, and that’s what our evening routine is like,” Jeni jokes.

Making Every Dollar Count

Some nights are chaotic, while others run like a well-oiled machine. Regardless, dinner time is a sacred family tradition. “Some nights, we have eight people at the table. Other nights, more than 20!”

Budgeting is key. Jeni is a pro at preparing affordable meals, costing between $2 and $10. She shares her grocery hauls and money-saving tips on YouTube to help others stretch their budgets.

“We’re all feeling the financial pinch,” Jeni admits. To stay on top of household chores, she uses a chore chart. “From age eight, every child has responsibilities,” she explains. Even cooking is a shared duty. “Our 12-year-old can prepare a roast dinner for 20 people with almost no supervision.”

Laundry is another major task. Jeni washes three full loads daily—equivalent to six normal-sized loads. Grocery shopping is just as demanding, requiring two full carts. “I always need one of the kids to help with the load,” she says.

Faith, Finances, and Family Values

Managing finances for such a large family requires sacrifices. While they continue paying off their home mortgage, they don’t rely on government assistance.

“It’s expensive, and you have to make financial sacrifices,” Jeni says. “But we all work, and we don’t live off taxpayers.” Despite their financial independence, they often face criticism for having so many children.

Though the Bonells are deeply religious and attend church regularly, Jeni insists their large family wasn’t solely a faith-based decision. “God has a funny sense of humor,” she jokes. Ray, an electrician, agrees. “People need to do what’s right for them. Having 16 kids isn’t for everyone, but it works for us.”

Finding Time for Themselves

Despite their packed schedules, Jeni and Ray prioritize their relationship. “Do I get alone time with my wife? Of course! We make time for each other,” Ray says with a smile. “It’s important to look after each other.”

With their two eldest children now married, Jeni and Ray have entered the grandparent stage, further expanding their already large family. But with each new addition, their love and bond only grow stronger.

The Bonell Family System: A Well-Oiled Machine

Organization is the glue that holds their household together. From meal prepping to chore rotations, everything is planned out.

“We have a roster system,” Jeni explains. “Once a child turns eight, they’re assigned chores. They rotate between sweeping, mopping, setting the table, and helping with meals.”

Even snack time follows a system. Jeni shares easy-to-make favorites on YouTube, like air fryer egg cups and pizza bites—perfect for school lunches.

For the Bonells, teamwork makes life manageable. Despite the daily chaos, it’s clear that love, cooperation, and humor fuel their household.

At the end of the day, Jeni and Ray prove that with creativity, organization, and plenty of love, anything is possible. Raising 16 kids isn’t easy, but for them, it’s an adventure they wouldn’t trade for anything.

Through budget-friendly cooking, chore charts, and shared responsibilities, they’ve created a home filled with memories, laughter, and an unbreakable bond. If there’s one lesson to take away, it’s that no matter the size, family is always worth it.