Happy Birthday to you~~~

On September 4, 1914, my mother, Sarah Mary, was born to Rosalia and Pietro in Rockford, IL. Since my mother was born at home, my grandfather didn't register the birth until the next day so her birth certificate has September 5, as her actual birthday.

The following photo is of my mother (standing on the stool) with her grandmother, Maria Stella, and a cousin named Francis or Catherine...I'm not sure. I don't know how old my mother is in this picture and I'm not sure if this photo shows my mother older or younger than the following photo.

Here is my mother at about 2 or 3 years of age. I love the huge bow, the jewelry and the darling shoes.

This is "movie star" mom in one of my favorite photos of her. She just looks so regal and stylish in her dress, hat and bouquet. This is one of many weddings that she was in.

My mother always looked so smart and fashionable as evidenced in this photo of her at age 18.

Mom and Dad were married on September 12, 1943, five days before my father left for WWII.

Here we have 3 generations celebrating my mother's 95th. birthday. My daughter, Karen, and her son, Brandt, are standing behind my mother. Karen is going to have a little girl in October giving my mother her second great-grandchild.

Happy Birthday, Mom, and thank you for all of the life-lessons that you taught me. I had a wonderful childhood thanks to you and Dad, and I have so much to be grateful for. You are the best.

The cameo in the above photo was from my father upon his return from WWII. It is part of a set from Italy that includes a ring and bracelet.