When Jeni first met her husband, Ray, she was certain of one thing—she didn’t want children. Ray, on the other hand, dreamed of having a big family. Fast forward over 30 years, and the Bonells are now the proud parents of 16 children—and two grandchildren.
Originally from Toowoomba, Queensland, the Bonell family has become well-known across Australia for their unique lifestyle and inspiring ability to manage such a large household. With nine boys and seven girls—ranging in age from 10 to 35—the Bonells have truly mastered the art of organized chaos.
A Life Full of Routine and Love
Running a household of 18 people is no small feat. Jeni and Ray rely on structure, teamwork, and humor to keep things moving. Their grocery bill alone totals around $600 per week, including items like 50 liters of milk, 14 boxes of cereal, 45 tubs of yogurt, and four dozen eggs. And with food prices rising, they’ve had to become even more creative with budgeting.
Jeni shares their family’s journey and practical tips through her YouTube channel, where viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at everything from grocery hauls to simple, affordable recipes. Her goal? To help other families stretch their budgets while still enjoying nutritious meals.
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