We Are Still Here!

No we have not fallen off the face of the earth, all though some days it does sound good. Our lives have been in a little bit of an uproar. If you know us at all that is nothing new for the past two years. Some days you wonder how you did something that felt so right and it has led to such craziness. All I can say is the Lord really does work in mysterious ways. Kevin is still selling insurance but has changed to a different company so we are hoping this will work out some of the kinks we have been dealing with in the past. I have started working for the School District as a secretary in the medicaid office for Special Ed. I am really enjoying it and feel very blessed to have such a good job at this crazy time in the economy. Other than that it is life as usually at the Facklers. Ross will be home in 28 days and we can hardly stand the wait. Austin leaves in three months and we can hardly stand to let him go. He has been the glue that has held this family together for the past 2 years and we will miss his strength in more ways then can be named. Bridger and Madison are on swim team and working hard. Madi is also doing winter training for cross country and is thinking of doing a triathlon in the spring. (You go you crazy girl!!!) Darby is playing Basketball and looking forward to Christmas. I wish I could find the magic that she finds in everything, she is amazing!!! So anyway that is our update. I hope all of you are doing well and enjoying this, the best time of year. We wish you all the best!!!

Look out Mexico Here He Comes

It is here, Austin's call came last Saturday of all the crazy days. We had permission from Ross's Mission President to call him when we opened it so we had to wait until after 10pm so he would be home. We all took a guess of where we thought he would go. We guessed any where from Brazil to Japan and his dad said Iowa. So then we had the big reveal and guess what... it is the Mexico City North Mission where Austin will be spending the next 2 years of his life. He leaves on March 4th and will go to the MTC in Provo first. We are all surprised but excited for him. Austin will be an amazing missionary he has a real gift of drawing people to him. He is already working on his Spanish trying to brush up from High School and has several people at work talking to him in Spanish. I am so glad we will have a few months with Ross and Austin home together. I am excited to have both of my boys home under the same roof for a while.

What a boy wants

What A Boy Wants
By Cindy Fackler

When You were three you would always say,
"I want to be that guy.

The one that rides the horses and can let his lasso fly.
I want to ride the rodeo, I want a gun and boots.
I want to be a cowboy mom, I think it would be a hoot."

When you were eight you would always say,
"I want to be that guy.

The one that rides in BMX and can flip his bike so high.
I love the feel of freedom as the wind blows in my face.
I want to be a biker mom, I know I could win the race."

When you were sixteen you would always say,
"I want to be that guy.

The one that wins the tournament and makes the girls all sigh.
I need the feel of victory, I'll pin the others flat.
I want to be a wrestler mom, and live life on the mat..."

Then your soul turned to heaven
and a tear escaped your eye.

"I need to know my brother, the one that died for me.
I want to be a missionary mom, I have felt it on my knees."

And so you will go and serve him, you must find those wondering ones.
You have the courage to teach them you are one of his valiant sons.

Go forth with a virtuous spirit and spread the gospel light.
This is the man I felt you could be, I knew you would choose the right!


If a picture speaks a thousand words then this one says "Pure Joy!" Have you ever seen such a look of love in a face as the face of this little boy. This is why I sent my son on a mission. This is the reason I could let him go for two long years. It has not been an easy thing to do but there are not words to tell you of the blessings we have had in our home because of our sons service.

Ross will be home on Jan. 6 2009 (just under 3 mo.)

The Kids 1

OH Miss Madi!!!

Ok I don't ever remember giving my daughter permission to grow up but none the less she has done it anyway. She was invited last weekend to a semi formal dance for her friends sweet 16 birthday party. Much to her fathers dismay this dance included...... well boys and dancing and a very hot dress. Poor Kevin it is just more then his poor heart can take to see his little girl turning into a very pretty young women. He is more then happy that she is running cross country and that she just made the swim team. No one could be prouder of her good grades but when she walked out in her dress and high heels it was all over. Poor guy the only person worse then her dad was her brother Austin who told her she wasn't leaving the house and went so far as to stand in front of the door. So the really sassy picture you see was taken just for her dad and her brothers. And yes we will send one to Ross!