Cold Weather in Texas?

I know you must think that I'm joking, but I am not. We got a long (by Texas standards) bout of icy weather which prompted school and business closings or delays. Last Monday the icy weather started and by that evening it was COLD! The roads weren't very safe since our transportation crews are not equipped to handle icy weather so Troy didn't have to travel to Austin on Tuesday. Zach and Josh also got to stay home since school was cancelled. Wednesday wasn't much better and since no one wanted to come for physical therapy Troy got the day off of work. Zach and Josh went in to school two hours late. By Thursday things were starting to get back to normal, but there was still quite a bit of ice so, yet again, the boys went to school two hours late. I'm sure others in this part of the States were unhappy with the weather, but I couldn't have been more excited. Basically, we got to spend a lot of unexpected family time together.
The new trampoline was competely iced over and all three boys really enjoyed going out and breaking it up. It was so comical to watch them sliding and trying to jump. At one point, Zach fell flat on his back and just decided to start making ice angels. The weather was quite chilly and Josh didn't last long, but Zach and Matt would have stayed out all night. Emma watched from the french door continually voicing her desire to be out there also. It certainly was a departure from the everyday.
Everything else is going well. Not much in the way of news to report. We still don't know where we are headed this summer. Zach and Josh are still doing well in school. Emma still isn't walking. However, Matt, dare I say, is almost all the way potty trained. I only started on Friday, but Sunday and all day today he hasn't had one accident. I am talking no accidents at nap time or through the night either. What a celebration!

Emma's One!

On Tuesday Emma turned one year old. Both Troy and I remarked that we are amazed she can be that old. How time flies. We did our typical spaghetti dinner and she got to feed it all to herself. Afterward we sang her "Happy Birthday," helped her blow out her one candle and then let her attack a cupcake. She really enjoyed the whole experience, but I think her favorite was the frosting.
For her birthday she got a cabbage patch baby and some adorable clothes from Grandma. In fact we dressed her in a little jumper that was sent for the occasion. I thought she might try to stand on her own for the special day, but no. I think she is one of those children who doesn't do anything until they can master it in no time flat. At least I have a few less things she can get into at the moment.
They boys were all really sweet, telling me many times throughout the day that I needed to pander to Emma's every whim since it was her special day. She is going to be one cared for little girl.
Zach and Josh both went back to school on Wednesday. It is amazing how much less mess two children make versus four. At first both of them were not excited to be going because they wanted to be able to play all the time, but they came home yesterday happy and smiling. Each of them enjoys school and the opportunities it provides.
Matt is trying to relearn how to play without his brothers around. It won't take him long to learn that he will be able to play with any toy at anytime. In fact he just came in here with a lightsaber that is normally taken by Josh. He is such a happy-go-lucky kid that enjoying the positive side comes naturally.
Well I must go get some errands done. Many of which have been sitting on the back burner until Zach and Josh went to school.

A Trampoline!

A large part of what Santa brought for Christmas was a trampoline. When the kids woke up it was still in the box, but Troy quickly put it together for them (if you call a couple hours, quick). After that there was no stopping them. They are constantly asking to go jump on it at all hours of the day. Often it is the first thing they ask in the morning and I have to tell them no because it is still cold that early. I can't complain though. At least they don't want to sit inside and watch TV all day.
The rest of Christmas was also nice. Everybody got some things they really wanted and we then spent the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying time together. It was wonderful!