BIG BROOD
Mum-of-16 answers questions everyone wants to know about her big family and admits she’d love to have even MORE babies
IT'S not easy being parents with sixteen kids, just ask Jeni Bonell and her husband Ray who have a super-sized family with nine sons and seven daughters.
The Australian family, who is good pals with Britian's biggest family the Radfords, has certainly become a household name after sharing details about their hectic family life online.
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Naturally, fans have become rather invested in the day-to-day running of the 18-large family, and recently, Jeni and Ray answered some burning questions, including whether or not more kids are on the cards.
The 16 kids are aged between seven and 31 and the 51-year-old mum has spent a total of 16 years being pregnant.
This is a long time considering Jeni didn't want ANY kids to begin with, but it was her husband Ray who was desperate for a family.
MORE KIDS
In a recent the busy parents revealed they are open to having more kids.
"We would love more kids. It hasn't quite happened yet, but we would love more," Jeni said.
"We're obviously very happy with what we've got, but we'd be open to having more. Eventually, age and that next season of life will prevent that, but there is always hope."
We would love more kids. It hasn't quite happened yet, but we would love more.
Jeni Bonell
She added: "If it happens, it happens. If not, we're happy either way".
Despite being in their fifties, the couple don't feel they are "too old" to continue having babies.
"I always figured that when we are finished having children, then God will stop sending the blessings," Jeni said.
"We will keep having babies until we can't have kids anymore."
What's more, the mum-of-16 said she has always enjoyed being pregnant, "even the icky parts", which is probably why they've had so many kids.
We will keep having babies until we can't have kids anymore.
Jeni Bonell
Another question the pair get asked often is why they have so many kids to begin with, and the simple answer is "why not."
"It's fun. There are a lot of sacrifices that come with having a family this size, but for us, it's right. For a lot of others, it might no be," Jeni said.
The couple put 100 per cent into raising their children and their family life so it works.
HECTIC HOUSEHOLD
Although the family is made up of 16 kids, there's only ten still living at home with Jeni and Ray.
"But it's hard to keep track of, as it's continuously changing," Ray said in the clip, responding to the question which they get asked often.
When asked if they can imagine life once all 16 of their kids move out, Jeni said it might be "quiet" and "sad", but they will have more time for each other.
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"I guarantee the kids will never be gone gone," Ray added.
"They boomerang back when they move out, so they'll never be truly gone."
Jeni said that they will always welcome their grandchildren to come and stay as often as possible.
"Hopefully, there will always be some little feet running through our household," she said.
AGE GAPS
With 16 kids, it's natural to wonder how close they might all be in age, and Jeni And Ray revealed it's roughly 18 months between them all - with the smallest being 13-14 months
"There are a few bigger age gaps, where we've lost babies in between," Jeni said.
"I enjoyed the closer age gaps more personally, because I felt I was in the groove of doing all those sleepless nights and feeding babies and changing nappies, which made it easier."
ALONE TIME
One of the most asked questions, the parents revealed, is how they find time to be alone as a couple.
Sue and Noel Radford manage to keep the romance alive after 28 years of marriage &; 22 kids – with date nights & lavish gifts - and Jeni and Jay have their own tricks up their sleeve.
"We do it when we're out driving and running errands," Jeni said.
"You have to be very intentional about making time for each other. We take opportunities like this when we have to go out and grab some stuff for the family.
"We'll do the errand, and then we might run downstairs and grab a milkshake and come and spend 5-10 minutes catching up and having a chat before we head back to the kids."
Jeni and Ray are parents to Jesse, Brooke, Claire, Natalie, Karl, Samuel, Cameron, Sabrina, Tim, Brandon, Eve, Nate, Rachel, Eric, Damian and Katelyn.
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