Iris Purnell jokingly said in an interview that sometimes she feels phantom baby kicks. That should come as no surprise, though, as the mom of 12 was pregnant every year between 2004 and 2019.
The 38-year-old mother told TODAY Parents with a laugh that when they are all out together, people will ask them questions such as "Is this a school field trip? Are they adopted? Are they really all yours?" Iris said people also want to know about their living arrangements and if they drive a bus.
Iris was 21 years old when she gave birth to her first kid. She then met her husband, Cordell "Storm" Purnell a few months later and the rest as they say is history. The Lancaster, California couple went on to welcome 10 more children. Storm also has a son from a previous relationship called Junior.
Who are the Purnell children?
Together, Iris and Storm are raising 17-year-old Malikhai, 16-year-old Junior, 15-year-old Jahni, 13-year-old Trinity, 12-year-old Messiah, 10-year-old Josiah, 9-year-old Love, 8-year-old Seven, 6-year-old Michael, 5-year-old Royal, 4-year-old Heavenly, and 3-year-old Hope.
Iris revealed she always thought she would have two kids, a boy and a girl, but this is so much better. The Purnells frequently share videos of their family performing joyful choreographed dances on social media, according to the Daily Mail.
Iris said they have dance battles with each other all the time and they are competitive. Iris explained to the media outlet that they are also extremely organized as you have to be when you have so many children.
According to Iris, the Purnells hold one family meeting per day, where they all pray and study the Bible. It is also a time for family members to address any issues and problems. Iris encourages her kids to speak up if they need one-on-one time with Dad or Mom.
Purnell kids pitch in on household chores
Iris said they will discuss business ideas during these meetings. She will ask her children hypothetical questions like if she gives them $1,000 per week, what would they do with it? The California native said that she has always encouraged her kids to think outside the box.
The older kids all pitch in on household chores, according to the New York Post. Iris said her son Michael, who is starting first grade, just asked her if he could take on a responsibility. She shared that he wanted to sweep the carpet on the stairs. When she said yes to his request, her son was so excited.
Iris, who is studying graphic design, had her tubes tied back in 2019. She said that her husband felt strongly that she needed to give her body a rest. Iris added that he was worried something would happen to her. She is now finally coming to terms with the fact that she won't be bringing any more kids into the world, saying she has enjoyed the whole process.
