Best Laid Plans Of Mice And Mom
You know those Pinterest fail websites that show what the project should look like then they show how the project actually came out? That basically describes the last two weeks of my life.

See, I am a situational planner. What is that you may ask? I am not a big day-to-day planner. But, if something different or special happens, stand back. Before any event, large or small, my mind starts to spin with all of the possibilities. Having people over for dinner? I immediately pull out the cookbooks to start planning the menu. Going on vacation? I’m in charge of the research and planning of the itinerary. Some of you may not see this as a problem. It’s always good to have a plan, right? Here’s why it is a problem. The vision in my head tends to be more like those perfect Pinterest projects. The reality? Not so much…

Some of you may not see this as a problem. It’s always good to have a plan, right? Here’s why it is a problem. The vision in my head tends to be more like those perfect Pinterest projects. The reality? Not so much…

My husband has been on a business trip for the past two weeks. Before he left, I had pictured in my mind what those two weeks would be like for me and the kids. I had activities planned, must-see movies to watch, and wonderfully healthy meals planned. This included a pasta taste testing where the kids and I would try all of the different gluten-free pastas to see which ones we thought was best. It was a beautiful vision of a happy family, free of dirty dishes and piled up laundry, complete with singing birds and cute and fuzzy bunnies.

The reality was two weeks of algebra homework, practices, clothes on the floor in the laundry room, dishes sitting overnight in the sink, and orders from Door Dash.

That pasta taste test that I had planned to talk about this week? Yeah…that didn’t happen. I was a tired, drooling fool by the time my head hit the pillow every night. Single parents, I have nothing but the utmost respect for what you do every day.

Thankfully, the craziness is about to end as my other half returns at the end of the week and who knows? Maybe we’ll get that taste test done.

If we had been able to get to the pasta, this Favorite Marinara Sauce is what I would have used. If you have the time, I encourage you to try the different gluten-free pastas that we have on the shelves, both fresh and dried. I think you will be impressed with the variety and quality available.

Favorite Marinara Sauce
Using fresh herbs makes all the difference in this quick and easy marinara.
Serves 6

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
28 ounces (1 1/2 cans) crushed tomatoes
6 ounces (1 small can) tomato paste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley
1 tablespoon fresh basil
1 tablespoon fresh oregano
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Heat the olive oil in large skillet over medium heat.

Stir in onion and garlic. Cook until soft.

Next, add tomatoes and tomato paste, and stir to thoroughly incorporate. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

Finally, stir in parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper, and simmer for 15 minutes—uncovered.