As we were eating lunch today, I was watching our youngest, Charissa, put mustard on her plate.  (She's three.)  I thought about the potential mess but I could see the determination in her face and a sense of pride because she was doing it "all by herself".  I was snapped back 15 years by memories of her older sister, Carrie.  Charissa is much like Carrie was in that she is strong willed and determined.   Watching Carrie grow into a young woman, I have seen that these are good qualities.  Maybe not when you are mothering a three year old, but for a teen girl they are.   I thought of Carrie's wedding coming up in three weeks and how fast those growing up years went.  It seems like just yesterday she was that determined little girl.   Just like her older brothers,  I blinked and she is all grown up.  I'll blink again and Charissa will be all grown up.  And my kids will ALL be grown up.  I can't imagine life without my house full of kids.   So, for today, I will enjoy the noise, the mess, the buying tons of food and washing laundry every day.  I will cherish it.