Tonight is the Panther's homecoming game!! I am very excited to get there and start celebrating with them, and cheer them on to victory tonight! I will be getting on my way at 2pm today. Go Panthers! Go Casey!!

I have a couple of cards to share with you today! First up is my card for sketch 83 at the CPS blog! We were sponsored by Clear Artistic Stamps this week. I picked out the "Moonlight Christmas" stamp set, and this is what I came up with! Love the cute little snowman stamp!

Once I got that card done, I decided it needed a partner. (Mostly because I wanted to use some more of this paper...it is just gorgeous!) So, I used Christine's sketch again (because I love that sketch...so versatile) and came up with this little cutie. Love the vintage image!

Well, that is all for me today! I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend!! Give a little cheer for my Panther boys if you get a chance tonight! :)

Happy Friday,
~Lea

I used to think that summer was my favorite season, but I believe that has changed. I love summer in the beginning, but about mid-July I find myself craving the fall. Fall in Montana is especially gorgeous. So many changing colors, crisp & cool air, warm afternoons, football, pumpkins...all of which lead into the bustling holiday season. I really just love this time of year.

My excitement for fall is taking over my creative time too! I made this cute little Halloween card for a sketch challenge on Christine's blog. She put together a cute little sketch that I just had to use! Be sure to check out the link, and play along if you like!


And this little card is one of my Provo Craft assignments for September. This pumpkin cut is from the Disney's "Happily Ever After" cartridge. It is one of my favorite pumpkin images from all Cricut cartridges.



I even dusted off my sewing machine and added a little stitching to these cards. I haven't done that in ages it seems. But, it felt like they just needed that extra little crafty touch...and I was craving to use my machine. I wish I had a nicer machine that could do more, but that is okay. I will make do with what I have! I am blessed by just having a machine, and I need to make sure I use it more often. I bet you will see more stitching on my cards in the future!

Well, I hope that everyone is having a great week so far! I am getting geared up for another Friday of football, and a weekend in Sheridan! Josh has to work all weekend long, so I figured I would make a weekend out of it since I have to go by myself this week. So, Friday I will be driving on over to Sheridan, and cheering the Panthers on to victory. I am very excited for Saturday because I will be taking Tanner's (#55 on the football team) senior portraits. I have lots of great ideas for his photos and it will be fun to watch them transpire. Then Sunday I get to watch my dad preach, and will come home at some point.

I am sure I will get one more post in before the weekend, but if not...I hope that everyone has a fabulous weekend!

Until later,
~Lea

Another Panther victory happened on Friday night!! The first quarter looked a little shaky. The offense was off, Casey was off...and they went scoreless the entire quarter. But second quarter came around, and they began to get back to the good old Panthers we are used to seeing! They scored 26 points in the second quarter, and continued to keep Arlee scoreless. Actually, Arlee didn't score their two touchdowns until the last quarter of the game. Our defense didn't seem as fired up in that quarter. We have some hard games coming up, so hopefully they will get that worked through in practice the next couple of weeks.

Well, my photos aren't so stellar in my opinion this week. I wasn't feeling well on Friday which made me a bit unfocused myself, and they started getting blurry before the first half ended. I look forward to the new camera body that Josh and I are planning on getting, that will allow me a higher ISO than 1600. It is needed at night games. But, below are some photos that kind-of turned out.

I gotta dote on my little bro a bit. He still has an ankle injury. He didn't start on defense in this game, but ended up going in when Tanner came out for a bit. The kid rushed for 2 TD's, passed for 2 TD's, and returned an interception for a TD. He also ran in a 2 point conversion. My little brother rocks...plain and simple. (That third photo isn't wonderful, but I love seeing the pitched ball)



Okay, and now I am going to dote on Mike Buyan a bit too. He ran in a 71 yard touchdown. That was awesome. He had an interception, 14 tackles (not sure how many solos, but quite a few) and two touchdowns. He had an all around great game! The juniors were representing Friday night!! :)


Here are just a few other shots that turned out okay. I picked this shot because it is nice and clear and pretty. Tee hee!
This photo really isn't great. But click on it and make it bigger, and look at the determination in the eyes of the boys in purple! I just love it! Well okay...Tanner has his eyes closed, but I am sure he is just as determined on the inside. It isn't like I can pose them and make sure all of their eyes are opened. ;) -wink
The next two photos all I have to say is, OUCH, and that it sucks to be this QB. I am pretty sure at least one of those passes got picked as well.

And once again, the sweet sound of victory! Sorry not so many photos this time around, but still enough to get a glimpse into the game!
Here are the two small stories from each paper. I will link to the article, but I am also going to copy and paste because they aren't always easy to find.

The Montana Standard
Sheridan 38, Arlee 16

ARLEE — Sheridan quarterback Casey Crippen had an ankle injury and was a game-time decision for Friday's contest in Arlee, but after his five-touchdown performance, everything looked fine.

Crippen scored on two running plays, an interception return (as a safety) and passed for two in the Western C Conference high school football game.

Mike Buyan finished the game for the No. 2-ranked Panthers with 20 carries for 169 yards and two scores on offense and 14 tackles and an interception on defense.

Levi Broksle led the defense, however, with 16 tackles and an interception of his own.

Arlee scored twice in the fourth quarter, after being already down 32-0, on a Trevor Rice reception from Wyatt O'Neill and an Ethan Willoughby run.

Sheridan moves to a perfect 3-0 on the season.

Sheridan 0 26 6 6 — 38
Arlee 0 0 0 16 — 16

Second quarter
S — Mike Buyan 72 run (run failed)
S — Casey Crippen 3 run (pass failed)
S — Bradley Lueck 5 pass from Crippen (run failed)
S — Crippen 35 interception return (Crippen Run)

Third quarter
S — Crippen 15 run (pass failed).

Fourth quarter
A — Trevor Rice 3 pass form Wyatt O'Neil (Rice pass from O'Neil)
A — Ethan Willoughby 17 run (Willoughby run)
S — Buyan 23 pass from Crippen (pass failed)

The Missoulian
Class C
Sheridan 38, Arlee 16

At Arlee, junior Casey Crippen had a hand in five touchdowns as Sheridan romped past Arlee in a Western C contest Friday night.

Crippen, the Panthers' quarterback, rushed for two scores, passed for two scores and returned an interception for a touchdown on defense.

Arlee (0-3) scored twice in the final quarter on a TD pass from Wyatt O'Neill to Trevor Rice and a short TD run by Ethan Willoughby.

Sheridan 0 26 6 6 - 38
Arlee 0 0 0 16 - 16

S - Mike Buyan 71 run (run failed)

S - Casey Crippen 3 run (pass failed)

S - Bradley Lueck 5 pass from Crippen (run failed)

S - Crippen 30 interception return (Crippen run)

S - Crippen 18 run (run failed)

A - Trevor Rice 3 pass from Wyatt O'Neill (Rice pass from O'Neill)

A - Ethan Willoughby 7 run (Willoughby run)

S - Lueck 23 pass Crippen (pass failed)

This week they are back at home, celebrating homecoming, and preparing for another victory over Alberton. Keep it up Panthers!! Fire up for this Friday night!

Happy Monday,
~Lea

I have some cards to share with you today! First up is my card for this week's sketch at the CPS Blog. We were sponsored by Kandi Corp this week. They sent us their Hot Fix Applicator and some Hot Fix Crystals to use, and they are awesome!! They strongly adhere the crystals to the card, without having to fuss with glue dots and trying to make sure the glue doesn't show on the sides. It was a very fun tool to work with! I also used lots of the Moda Bella line by American Crafts here....love this paper!This card uses Kazan's sketch #9 from the 2 Sketches 4 U blog this week! Lots of the new "Romance" line by American Crafts here...I just happened to use it for frienship, rather than romance! :)
I didn't get a chance to do Laura's sketch #8 last week at the 2 Sketches 4 U blog...but I did get a chance to do it this week! I used lots of the Kim Hughes collection product by Cornish Heritage Farms. The paper collection is called "Mocha Chica" and is so fun and whimsical! I love it! I also used her "U R A Hoot" stamp collection....so darn cute! I just love my little pinky owl!Getting ready for Panther football tomorrow night! Casey's ankle is doing great, and the plan is for him to play like he normally does! Can't wait to see him in action again! Go Casey...and Go Panthers! I know they are fired up for another win this week!

Well, I am going to go for now. I hope everyone has had a wonderful week, and has a wonderful Thursday!

~Lea

Was it a pretty win? Nope- not by any means. We'll start with this photo where the team is down two starters to begin with. One is out for the season, and that is a big loss to the team. But, he is right there supporting them and being another set of eyes for the coaches. Even without him on the field, he is going to be an asset to this team this year.
The game starts out pretty normal. But these Charlo boys....are BIG. I underestimated their size while I was up in the stands before the game started. When I got down on the sideline and realized how big they actually were...I seriously began to wonder what was in the water.

I love this set of photos of Casey on a QB keep. If you don't click on all of them, be sure to click on photo number 3. I love that you can see where Casey is looking, and how aware he is of what is going on around him. It amazes me how much he has grown as an athlete from last season to this season. Proud of you little brother!



After that, Tanner snags this pass from Casey. Were looking pretty good at this point. (BTW- Tanner snags another catch like this later in the game that I didn't get. The Charlo field has maybe 12 lights TOTAL...so it was REALLY dark.)
But a few plays after this awesome snag...Casey gets hit and sprains his ankle, and is out for a large part of the rest of the game. For the next 2.5 quarters, it basically becomes a battle of defense.

I am going to give a shout out here to Levi Broksle. I would say the majority of the Charlo team outweighed him by at least 30 pounds, if not more. My dad let me know that Levi had 21 tackles.. He worked his butt off in this game. He also took the snaps as quarterback when Mike went out with some pain. He is the one hanging on to the jersey in this photo below, trying whatever he can to get this guy down. He played this game with a big heart and it showed. I often think that is much more important than your size.
Now I am going to talk about Tanner and what leadership he showed in this game. I don't know his exact stats for this game yet, but I will bet you that his solo tackles and assists are through the roof (just got the stats, he had 13 solos and 20 assists. CRAZY!). He was a major part in keeping Charlo scoreless until the 4th quarter. And truthfully...those six points for Charlo were a bad call. I promise I am not being the bitter fan. They were a yard away from scoring that touchdown, even the Charlo fans that were standing right there said he wasn't in. My dad asked. :) Such is small town high school football....you don't get challenges or official reviews. ;)

Anyways- I have never claimed to be a pro when it comes to sports photos. I just shoot where I think the action is going. Well- there aren't many shots that I took without Tanner in them at this game. He was all over, completely in their face. Which we needed. I know he had to be exhausted, hurting, thirsty....but he stayed in and made a HUGE difference in the outcome of this game. WTG Tanner- you are amazing kid.





Late in the third quarter, basically the 4th quarter...Casey got back in the game as QB. He had been pacing the sidelines (with a limp), working on his ankle. I only got this one shot of him that turned out during the rest of the game, due to the darkness. I can't imagine how much it hurt to play on the ankle, but the team needed him. And that is what Casey does. He plays through adversity. I watched him do it last year, so I knew he would end up back out on that field.
The coaches made some adjustments in this quarter, and used Tanner to gain the yards they needed to get across the field. He snagged another awesome pass from Casey, and then punched the ball in on a 2-yard run for the first touchdown of the game. After that Charlo tied the game up with their 79 yard touchdown. (You know...home field advantage.) The Panthers drove the ball down the field again, and Casey scored the winning touchdown on a keep. The 2 point conversion failed by inches, and the Panther defense shut down Charlo in the last minutes of the game to win it.

And once again, they get to sing their song of victory. Of course, the naysayers are already talking. But I say...let them talk. In the end, a win is a win. In the end it doesn't matter if you won by a point, or by 70 of them. We don't know right now who will be the 4 teams in the western playoffs, nor do we know which two teams will be playing on that last Saturday of the entire season. I can bet you that last year no one "important" thought Sheridan would be one of them. Be proud of your win, Panthers. It is one win closer to that final game of the season. Charlo was fired up, BIG, and didn't want to lose again. So please...be PROUD of your win! And start getting ready to beat some Warrior tail this Friday!

Until later,
~Lea

Seriously...this week has seemed to fly by, other than the 8 hours a day I am at work. That has seemed to drag....but the evenings are going too quickly!

Tonight I just have some published stuff to share with you. First up...this layout was in this year's Memory Makers Idea Gallery issue. I was a little bummed with how it turned out in print...they gave it a pink tint for some reason. It is one of my favorite layouts to this day, so I figured I would show you how it really looks! This is the prom that Casey went to his freshman year. He didn't go last year, so I am really hoping he makes the choice to attend the next two years. I don't want him to miss out on HIS high school experience for ANYTHING. (Casey....are you reading this? Listen to your sister...I know what I am talking about. Hee hee!)
Next up are the cards that were in the July issue of Cards Magazine. These first two were on the cover. (I still get a little excited when I look at it...it was my first cover!)

And then these cards were inside the issue.





It has been fun to see how quickly my card style changes as I go. My layouts tend to stay the same...simple, graphic, and focused on the photos/journaling. But, cards are where I can put as little or as much product as I want on them, embellish to my hearts content, because all I need to do is find a space for some type of sentiment. I love it! Do you find yourself noticing the same thing about your scrapbook or card making style?

Well, just a quick post from me tonight. I am a tired girl...going to get to bed!

Sweet dreams,
~Lea

To say that Friday night was no less than amazing, would be an understatement. But, first I want to give you a little information. Read this article, "Trojans Still The Team To Beat", to see what a Missoulian sports writer thinks this season will be about before it even started.

And a little back story about Sheridan and Drummond. Sheridan hasn't beat Drummond in high school football in six years, or nine games when you count regular season and playoffs. The regular season game last year was a gritty battle, with Drummond coming out on top, 24-12. They met again in the state title game, but Sheridan had too many obstacles to overcome, and had to play a hard to beat, healthy Drummond. They lost 50-20. Both teams had some major talent and leadership graduate. I can't speak for Drummond, but I can say that I saw some major stepping up on the Sheridan team this Friday...stepping up into roles that needed it, and major improvement at the roles that didn't. They worked as a team, and it was just awesome to watch. There wasn't any of the bickering and arguing that we have seen in the past. Just a bunch of boys who LOVE the game of football working together towards victory. It. was. amazing.

Here are some of the shots that I got with my new lens. This lens is AMAZING! I have some learning to do, because a lot of the shots were bad. But, the shots that turned out....I am just in awe. These photos are pretty much directly from the camera. I applied a very slight unsharp mask and the digital frame. (Click on them to see them larger)

These four are all juniors. Casey is #16, his best friend is #5 Mike, Josh is next to him at #90, and Tyler at #21. This photo would have been perfect if #44 Levi would have been in it.
I love this photo because of what happened that you can't see. It looks like he is going to get taken down in this photo. But, he doesn't. He shrugs them off and runs for quite a few more yards before getting taken down.
Just a good team effort bringing the ball carrier down.
This one I love because they have picked the ball carrier up off the ground, and then take him down. I didn't crop the photo to show you how well this lens picks up the action you want, and blurs the rest...like the ref on the left side.
Gotta love when your blockers make that perfect hole for you to run through. Love this shot of the hand-off from Casey to Tyler.
Casey totally juked this guy out of his shorts, and continues to run with the ball. Love it!
This is a continuation of the previous photo. Unfortunately the next shot in the bunch blurred too much (I must have been cheering while trying to shoot at the same time. I do that a lot.) But, it took three guys to take Casey down, and he drug them for quite a bit.
Casey in the shotgun. Just love how this turned out. By this time it was pitch black out, and my lens caught the light perfectly here.
Casey getting the snap. Pat Clark did an awesome job snapping the ball and then blocking for Casey. I was so proud of him and I am so glad he finally gets to shine this year!
This shot is a bit blurry, but I just love the humongous tackle by #55, Tanner. He is a ferocious hitter. Almost to the point where you feel a little bad for the kids he hits....but then you realize it is football, and if they don't want to get hit that hard than they just shouldn't be playing. :)
Then the sound of sweet victory. It has been a long time since they got to do this at the end of a game against Drummond. I have a shot of this that is completely in focus, but I actually don't like it. I think the blur just really captures the emotion and excitement of this moment. I am so proud of these boys. What a great first game.
I write with emotion and feeling when it comes to these football games. I can't tell you statistics or details of the game, other than the Panthers played amazing, Casey carried for 102 yards & scored one touchdown (well, actually two- but one got called back on a lame penalty call), they overcame any mistakes they did make, and played like a team. So, here are some articles that give you the rundown of the game:


I am even more excited to watch these boys in action! This was a huge win for them. A win that many thought wouldn't happen. A win that I am so proud Casey was a huge part of! What I love even more is what their coach said in their huddle at the end. They still have an entire season of football to play, and they have a different opponent to prepare for next week. Come Tuesday practice, all focus will be on Charlo. He definitely does a great job keeping these boys grounded and focused.

I hope you enjoyed my football post, because there will be one every week from now on until the season ends! ;)

Happy Sunday,
~Lea