Family of 22: How One Couple Manages Life with 20 Children

Raising a large family comes with unique challenges, as seen in the lives of Desiree and Christopher Hart-Spegal from Spokane, Washington. The couple, who have a total of 20 children, shared their experiences of managing a household that requires significant time and financial resources. From spending up to $10,000 on Christmas gifts each year to dedicating hours to meal preparation, the Hart-Spegals have opened up about the highs and lows of their bustling family life.

Desiree, 37, and Christopher met in October 2013. At the time, Desiree had three children from a previous relationship, while Christopher brought eight children into the marriage. After their wedding in July 2014, the couple blended their families and subsequently welcomed nine additional children, resulting in a family of 22.

Desiree did not initially plan for such a large family but decided against using contraception after their marriage. She expressed her belief in “walking in blind faith” regarding family growth. “We were going to stop after we got married and had 11 combined kids,” she stated. “But I just couldn’t bear the thought that someone is supposed to be here and I’m preventing them.”

Daily Life and Financial Considerations

Managing a household of this size requires meticulous planning, particularly when it comes to meals. Desiree shared that preparing breakfast can take anywhere from one to three hours. After breakfast, she shifts her focus to lunch, followed by an extensive cleaning process. “Cooking can take hours and usually involves immense planning and a lot of cleaning afterwards,” she acknowledged.

The Hart-Spegals spend approximately $26,000 annually on food, averaging around $500 weekly. Desiree noted that buying in bulk helps reduce costs, allowing her to create restaurant-style menus for the week. Despite the financial advantages, the workload is substantial, as she must prepare meals three times a day along with snacks, leading to constant dishwashing and cleanup.

Christmas presents a significant financial burden, as the family has spent nearly $10,000 on gifts in the past. This year, they aim to keep their expenses under $5,000. Desiree explained the challenges of budgeting for such an extensive gift list while maintaining family traditions.

Managing Chaos and Family Dynamics

Living in a 3,200-square-foot home with five bedrooms and three bathrooms, the Hart-Spegals have created a designated area for their sons in the basement, known as the “boys corridor.” Despite these accommodations, Desiree admitted that maintaining order is a continuous challenge. Each child has age-appropriate chores, but the bulk of cleaning typically falls to her. She manages two loads of laundry daily and up to ten loads on Saturdays.

Transportation for the family also requires careful planning. They own a 15-passenger van, which makes outings a logistical challenge. “I count all throughout any event to keep track and have each younger kid take an older kid’s hand at times,” Desiree explained. “I usually caboose it so I can watch for any stragglers and dad leads the way.”

Despite the chaos, the couple prioritizes one-on-one time with each child. They celebrate birthdays and run errands with individual children to ensure that everyone receives personal attention. This approach is vital to their family dynamic and helps foster strong relationships.

After welcoming their 20th child, Zavior, in May 2025, Desiree and Christopher decided they do not want any more children. They have scheduled a vasectomy for April 2026. However, Desiree humorously noted that since they do not use contraceptives, “anything can happen between now and then.”

The Hart-Spegals also document their lives on social media, although they face scrutiny from some online commentators. Desiree shared that they have received negative feedback, with some accusing them of overpopulating the Earth. “We’ve had people call CPS stating there’s too many to be taken care of,” she said, adding that some comments are amusing to her.

In response to the criticism, Desiree remains focused on her family’s happiness. “I don’t really judge them. I just feel like they have no comprehension or understanding from my point of view,” she remarked.

The Hart-Spegals’ story highlights the complexities of raising a large family, revealing both the challenges and the joys that come with it. Their commitment to fostering a loving and organized environment for their children showcases the dedication required in managing a family of this magnitude.