Jeri McDonnell of Kansas City, Kan., has 16 children but she says she has no regrets, despite the struggles that came with having so many kids.

McDonnell, who said she expected to work at her job at a Kansas City eatery on Mother's Day, told The Kansas City Star that while a lot of people appear to be appalled at the thought of having 16 children, it has been a dream come true for her.

Most people don't want a large family, and they can't even fathom it, the 46-year-old said. People say, 'I'm glad it's you and not me.' And I say, 'I'm glad it's me, not you.'

McDonnell said she and her husband, Tim, have to monitor their family's spending as though they were running a corporation to make ends meet.

Bargain shopping is one of her personal keys, McDonnell said, along with teaching her kids independence and a strong work ethic.

My family is my passion, my love, my hobby, she said. They are what keeps me going day after day. They make me who I am.

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