The one time of the year I eat meat

Some of you may remember this post, where I briefly explained my path to vegetarian/flexitarian-ism. And while it's safe to say that I am now a wholly-committed vegetarian, there is still one time a year wherein I partake of a minuscule amount of meat. In my case, meatballs. (And only three.)

Said day is my family's Easter (or, in this case, week after Easter) feast, in which my aunt makes all of my great-grandmother's Italian recipes. None of which are even remotely vegetarian. Thus, while my husband and daughter thoroughly enjoyed their sauceless homemade pasta, I partook of the sauce that is marinated with meat and my three meatballs (while abstaining from the ravioli), partially to ensure that the ghost of my great-grandma Rose would not haunt me what forever and ever amen, and partially because I still want to participate in my family's Easter ritual.

Behold, the holy feast.

Which all gave pause to some serious introspection about the cultural/emotional value that we all assign to food, but since I want to keep this light, I won't go into it. Though let it be said that this whole inner conflict would not exist if my aunt didn't make some damn good meatballs.

And somewhere, Rose (with a picture of Karl Malone clasped in her hand) is smiling.

Amen.

Images from Easter

Wasn't today lovely? It was one of those perfect spring days that I wish we had more of around here. 

 Happy Easter, everyone.

We hope you had a happy Easter.

Because we sure did. The Easter Bunny was quite nice to us this year... and we are very appreciative of his efforts on our behalf. We took pictures with our baskets in our Sunday clothes, because we have church at nine. Isn't husband the handsomest?

Easter also marks the auspicious day when my Aunt Lisa breaks out my great-grandma Rose's spaghetti recipe from Italy. (Have I mentioned I'm Italian? Te hee.) She makes everything from scratch kids, right down to the noodles. And the meatballs, oh heavens, the meatballs. Better meatballs have never been made in the history of mankind. They are a hot commodity so you have to grab them while you can.

Anxiously awaiting the spaghetti love... that's Aunt Lisa in the background, hard at work.

Not the best pic, but it goes fast ok? It's pasta yummyliciousness.

Uncle Gary and Aunt Lisa happen to also have some of the prettiest flowers in their yard.

Easter truly is my favorite holiday. And not just because it's Spring time, or because we get the family spaghetti, or because the Easter Bunny comes. It's because this is the time of year that we celebrate our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the sacrifices he made for each one of us. My church put out an amazing video to commemorate this sacred time of year. Want to feel some inspiration? Watch it below.

Happy Easter!