This is Muriel's family, and extended family, in St. Francisville, Illinois, USA, at the community log cabin. Muriel's Mother, Dianne Brumley, is not pictured, because she was with her Mother, Frances Dehner. The people pictured here are Muriel's Grandmother, Great Aunt and Uncle, Father, Sister, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Second Cousins and 4 friends, who she is not related to...yet.

A Time to Give Thanks!

As most people know, yesterday was Thanksgiving. For Americans, this holiday is very important. Usually in the United States, the family and some friends get together, eat, and just give thanks. In my family (American), Almost everyone gets together and we meet in a little wooden cabin in St. Francisville. This has been the tradition since before I was born. Of course, this year I couldn't join them. However, I did try to bring a little bit of "home" to my second home in Italy.

    Laurel, Darcy and I decided to have a little party for our families and a few friends. After school Laurel and I went to Laurel's host house to prepare the food for the party. We made the Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, homemade Noodles, Glazed Cinnamon Carrots, and Broccoli. 

My host parents lending a hand or two.

I was messing around with the turkey.

Serena (Laurel's host sister) and I.

Pasta making. American vs. Italian

I'm so proud of this. It's the second time I've cooked turkey in my life.

Stuffing. It tastes like home. 

Stuffing and mashed potatoes, not the potato purée they have in Italy.

Serena, Zia, and me 

 

The table. I think it looks pretty good.

My family in Illinois having their party. It doesn't look too different, does it?

My Italian tutor and her husband.

 I think it's safe to say the Italians liked American cooking.

 

The party! If you look you can see the American, Italian and Canadian flags. Before we ate we said a prayer in English and in Italian. Then, we listened to the American national anthem, the Canadian national anthem and of course the Italian Anthem. It was really sweet that they went into that much thought to do that for us. The little things really do count.

 We must have done pretty well the great Luigi Prota continued to eat our food. Haha 

Well, I was really expecting the worst about being away from my family but I realized I had my other family right before my eyes. My parents and my sister - I'm so happy that I have them. Surprisingly they let me go. I thank them for being crazy enough to say yes to the even crazier idea of becoming an exchange student with Rotary. I'm glad I have both of my families there when I need them; Italian and American. My friends that I have from around the world. I'm thinking of you all. The Rotarians who got me here in Italy and support me. I can't even begin to name off everything that I'm thankful for. This party certainly made me feel much better. I wasn't alone for this large holiday. I spent it like it should be spent with family and friends.

My day on Friday (Nov. 15, 2013)

Today I woke up around 7 a.m. I made my bed and opened up the blinds and the window. Then I got dressed and went to say "Buongiorno" to my host parents. I ate breakfast, which was milk, yogurt, a spoon of peanut butter, (I'm such an American) and biscotti (cookies) and yes cookies and milk is a legit breakfast here. 

Around 7:50 my host mom took me to school in her car. Today was Friday and every Friday, Torre Annunziata has a market for clothes, toiletries and food. We had to take the other way because of this. I had five classes today: Latin, Greek, PE, and two hours of Italian. I really can't do anything in Latin and Greek because my classmates have had it for years and I can't keep up and plus it's too difficult. I love PE. It's probably one of my favorite classes.  In Italian right now we are studying about Dante. Thanks Mrs. Atkins for making us study about him. My Italian teacher was really impressed with how much I knew.

After school, I met with Laurel and we went to Pompei for the mall. Yeah, I bought probably more than I should have, but it's all things I need. I have to buy warmer things because, yes, it's getting cold here!!! I also got to eat at an American restaurant, "Old Wild West." It was very good, but I was sad when they didn't have cheddar. (My box of Mac and cheese is on its way! Wooooo!!) 

Then I came home and ate dinner with my family. Right now is really the only time that I have to rest, but I wanted to share my day with all of you who are curious! 

The damage....

And these beauties. ❤️