When Jeni met Ray, she was certain kids weren’t in her plan. Ray wanted four; she thought that was wild. Fast forward 30+ years, and the Bonells from Toowoomba, Queensland, are parents to 16 children—nine boys, seven girls—ranging from 10 to 35.

Their life is organized chaos. Jeni spends $600 weekly on groceries: 50 liters of milk, 14 cereal boxes, 45 yogurts, and four dozen eggs. Laundry? Three full loads daily. With kids in multiple schools, jobs, and sports, evenings are a whirlwind. Everyone helps—by age 12, Bonell kids can cook dinner for 20.

A rotating chore chart keeps things running smoothly, and Jeni shares tips on budget-friendly meals on YouTube. Despite challenges, their home is full of laughter, connection, and faith.

Though often questioned, Jeni and Ray embrace their big family with pride, managing finances without government aid. Ray, an electrician, puts it simply: “It works for us.”

For the Bonells, it’s not just a large family—it’s a life built on love, teamwork, faith, and a whole lot of heart.