Homemaker Portrait | Jayme Cherry
- Allison Weeks
- Oct 13
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 16
Episode Notes and Guest Resources from Season 26, Episode 4
Jayme Cherry is a wife, mother of four, and a homeschooling homemaker. She's been married for almost 17 years to John, a former Marine attorney, and they are currently making a home in New England.
Jayme left a career she loved as a public school teacher to become a mom and full time homemaker, and though the transition was challenging, she's never regretted that decision.
Coming from a background of public school teaching, Jayme never imagined she would homeschool, but they are now in their eighth year and treasuring the fruit they are starting to see in their children.
Jayme has had her share of challenges as a homemaker. In the first few years, she experienced such loneliness that she would meal plan day-by-day just to have a reason to visit the store and interact with other people.
Her greatest homemaking strengths are cooking, organization, and scheduling, though she acknowledges that being highly structured can make flexibility difficult, especially in unpredictable adventure that is large-family life.
Jayme has learned that homemaking extends beyond the tasks—it's about serving her family and finding time to play and rest. She has also realized how much her mood determines the home's culture: when she's joyful, the home is joyful and when she's cranky, everyone feels it. She is grateful for the Holy Spirit's help to set a positive tone in the home and for the grace and mercy of Christ when she falls short.
To invite her kids into the homemaking, Jayme uses a rotating weekly chore chart for her kids to cycle through the 4 jobs of kitchen assistant, floor sweeper, table setter, and dishwasher. The system has worked well in training the kids in teamwork and practical cleaning skills. Now they are working on training the kids to take the initiative and help with little things when they notice them; such as, taking out the trash when they notice it's full.
Jayme gives some great advice for a successful transition from an outside career to full time homemaking. She shares excellent hospitality ideas and great stories of her top homemaking fails and wins.
For Jayme, the art of homemaking is found in elevating ordinary moments to build connection and shape family culture.
SHOW NOTES & RESOURCES
Episode Call to Action
Consider how you can intentionally repurpose or double-purpose space in your home. Could you turn an extra living room into a large dining room? Could you have your kids share a room for a season, or longer, so that you can always have a dedicated guest room?
Consider what you can always keep in stock to make hosting easier and less stressful. Jayme always keeps ingredients for a charcuterie board on hand, as well as a freezer stocked with popsicles in summer and hot chocolate and popcorn in winter for all of her kids' friends.
Connect with Jayme:Â IG @thecherrykitchen
Jayme's Favorite Resource: Once Upon a Chef, Weeknight /Weekend, Jennifer Segal
Read-Aloud Favorites:
Jayme's Signature Dish:
Originally from Real Simple magazine, Jayme has tweaked this recipe many times over the years to truly call it her own. It is her go-to for meal trains and hosting dinner guests. She promises, "Nothing will make your house smell better than this chicken cooking in your oven!"
