We've traded homemade for perfection — but at what cost?

A few months ago, my sisters and I got together to plan a milestone birthday party for our mother.

”You know what we should really do for Mommy?”

“Hmm?”

“Cook the entire thing ourselves.”

“Are you crazy? We said we’re going to invite the whole family… this isn’t a small homegrown family event!”

“Because it would be so meaningful for Mommy. Mommy stops at nothing to do and do for us in every way she can, and we all know that.”

“But don’t you think she understands that we’re young mothers and this would be such a pressure?”

“Yeah, and nothing will come out right. All our food will be homemade looking.”

“Still. Think how much Mommy would appreciate it if we stopped our lives for a night or two and dedicated the time to cooking for her birthday. She would be so touched.”