Karen,
We haven't lived in this part of Texas for very long, so I can't speak from personal experience yet. From what we hear, we might get a light dusting once every year, and every 2-3 years we'll get a pretty good snow. Thus far, that's been our experience. The snow we do have lasts about a week, then that's it. Nothing like yours, I'm sure! You are right, it is a special treat.