A Primitive Christmas…Blog Hop

Happy Holidays Everyone…

Most of you know I am from snowy Wisconsin…but as you read this I will be in sunny southern California near San Diego…hopefully starting work on our NEW Primitive Gatherings-Murrieta location.  That is right!!! …we will have a permanent store in Murrieta, CA!  Dru Farrell and my son Luke will be running it and I will be there almost every month…We are looking forward to this adventure and will be bringing CA Quilters a bunch of exciting things to look forward to…Now back to the HOP!!!  Sorry…but we are all excited about that…

This year for the blog hop I was READY…I usually do something at the last minute…I’m just being real here..thats the way is it now… I stitch deadline to deadline…with a few things in-between…after the last Christmas blog hop I made some ornaments for the next time we did a blog hop so I wasn’t rushed… I hunted them down and I am writing this post about a week ahead of the due date!!! That is also exciting…for me at least…you all just want me to get to it… I know…

CHRISTMAS 2015….

This is going to be a not so traditional Christmas for me and I really don’t want to talk about any previous Holiday Memories at this time…. so I’m not going to pretend all is glittery, merry and bright.…I have my tree up…it is not decorated and It might not be at all this year…I’m thinking I will wait til the kids come home and talk them into it… There are way too many things going on with CA store and this will be the first year without our son, Lance… I am not real good with this but something pushes me everyday to be strong and go on with what I do best…another reason for not decorating is Nick and I are going on Vacation on December 27th…and when we get back…it is back to CA for me for a month (In January…don’t be Jealous my cold weather friends)… that is why I’m not in the mood to be decking the halls…and to be honest…I still have my house decorated for Spring!…again..being real…I’ll be set in a few months! lol….We will however have our annual Holiday Party…I will post about that after…so please don’t think I’m a “Debbie downer”…I still LOVE Christmas…but give me a pass this year…Here is a nice picture from last year…love how my eyes match my outfit…IMG_0924

Please read this post if you are new to my blog and need to know what my usual Christmas is like…Click this link: Christmas

Here are the cookies we make every year for the ChristIMG_1192mas Gathering at the shop..my Mom makes about 20 dozen… she leaves some plain and some she dips in white chocolate…I promised several people I would share this recipe…it is that good.Image13560

Now my project…Oh Holy Night…Here are 4 ornaments…you could just make the manger scene…mangerbut the Shepard and the sheep are a set!!!  These are very simple ornaments, but the statement is BIG…I hope you love them as much as I do…This FREE pattern has been removed and will now be offered in my newest book Christmas Gatherings out April 2016!Shepard:sheep

A special THANKS  to Stacy at Buttermilk Basin for organizing all this fun for YOU the best customers/supporters/stalkers…(that last one was for you, Sue in GA) in all the land!!!  And isn’t this a GREAT year! Every designers project was AWESOME!!! I wanted to make them ALL myself!

Take care my friends and see you when I see ya…come to CA…See what we’ve got going on!

Lisa

62 responses to “A Primitive Christmas…Blog Hop”

  1. ,m Avatar
    ,m

    I wish I could reach out from Australia and give you a hug. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Michele

    Reply
  2. Jeanne Berry Avatar
    Jeanne Berry

    I’m not able to click on and access the off file.

    Reply
    1. lisabongean Avatar
      lisabongean

      Thanks…all fixed now!

      Reply
  3. Lois Walker Avatar
    Lois Walker

    Thank you Lisa! I am super jealous you are going to miss some mid west cold!…. Coming from a Michigander Lol! Congratulations on the new store! The cookies sound awesome! Praying for your family during this holiday season,

    Reply
  4. Rachel Childress Avatar
    Rachel Childress

    Congratulations on your new store! That is so exciting. I will be praying for your family during this holiday season….Merry Christmas!

    Rachel

    Reply
  5. Trish Avatar
    Trish

    Thanks so much for the cute ornament patterns & yummy recipe. Love the blog hop! Congratulations on your new store! Sending prayers to you & your family during the holidays.

    Reply
  6. Pat Robinson Avatar
    Pat Robinson

    Best wishes for this holiday season. A BIG Congrats on your CA venture! You are absolutely AMAZING! Hugs to you and Nick!

    Reply
  7. Connie R. Spalding Avatar
    Connie R. Spalding

    Lisa, congrats on the new store. I know it will be a big hit in CA. Prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during the holidays this year. It will get easier but it also takes time…I lost my Dad during the holidays several years ago, so I know what you are going through. Your ornaments are wonderful and will definitely be made for our tree next year. Again, thanks for all you do for us and keep strong.

    Reply
  8. Pam Lam Avatar
    Pam Lam

    Lots of news in your post, Lisa, but I had to smile when I read your cookie recipe you shared. I just made the exact cookies this week. This must have been a favorite that had been handed down. I am from NE, and this was my grandmother’s recipe. We LOVE those cookies (and even when it isn’t Christmas). Merry Christmas to you.

    Reply
  9. zaneyonequilts Avatar
    zaneyonequilts

    Absolutely love the O Holy Night ornaments. O Holy Night was my dad’s favorite Christmas song, and I still tear up when I hear it. It did not go unnoticed that Lance’s ecru was used in this project. Keeping you in prayer.

    Reply
  10. Becky Romero Rabalais Avatar
    Becky Romero Rabalais

    Merry Christmas!!!! Thanks so much for the cookie recipe! I’m going to a cookie exchange next week. Will give this one a try. Enjoy your cruise! Love and prayers your way! Take care!

    Reply
  11. Paula Philpot Avatar
    Paula Philpot

    Lisa

    You have every right to pass this year…..everyone’s thoughts and prayers will be with you during this time.

    Paula in KY

    Reply
  12. suejean1 Avatar
    suejean1

    Lol!! Congratulations Lisa on your new shop in CA. Now we will have 2 places to visit you. Thinking of you this Christmas season and happy you and Nick are able to do some different things and go on vacation. Thank-you for the beautiful ornament patterns and cookie recipe. Hugs, Sue

    Reply
  13. cynthia lanahan Avatar
    cynthia lanahan

    Congratulations on your new store! I always visit (and purchase) your booth in Houston at Festival. For the first time, I ordered online and love your patterns and fabrics. Hope you have a wonderful vacation!

    Reply
  14. Carol Avatar
    Carol

    A plain evergreen is a thing of beauty, enjoy it as it is and never apologize for how you feel, it’s who you are right now and that is ok. I cannot imagine this holiday being merry or bright for you and I applaud your ability to get up every day and not only put one foot in front of the other, but to pursue your life’s work with so much passion! It’s astounding how much you accomplish in a day, a week, a year! I’m looking forward to your twelve days of Christmas…taking my mom to the casino tomorrow and if I strike gold I will buy two of everything! Thank you for all you share with us…including your holiday party pictures!

    Reply
  15. Becky Avatar
    Becky

    I echo what Carol says–no need to apologize. Grief is a process and a journey. I think of you every Sunday when we do prayers for the people at church. There just are no words for a loss like yours. Take care of yourself.

    Reply
  16. Terri M Avatar
    Terri M

    Love your ornaments they are perfect and how do you make it snow on your page it is really cool. have a very Merry Christmas and can’t wait for your new store.

    Reply
    1. lisabongean Avatar
      lisabongean

      Its done on wordpress…they offer “snow” for the season…so every year it automatically comes! Just like the real stuff in WI

      Reply
  17. Lissa Rogers Avatar
    Lissa Rogers

    OH.MY.GOSH!!!!! I am so excited about the news of your California store!!! My daughter lives there, so I know I will get to take advantage of classes! Merry Christmas to us out west! O Holy Night is perfect! What a beautiful way to end this fun blog hop. And ditto to Carol’s sentiments. She said it beautifully. Merry Christmas and Welcome to California!

    Reply
  18. Sherry Avatar
    Sherry

    Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful design with us and I wish you the peace that passes all understanding this Christmas.

    Reply
  19. VickiT Avatar
    VickiT

    Don’t feel bad about not decorating your tree. There have been a few years in my home where we got the tree up and put the lights on and called it good.

    I have been wanting to make Molasses Cookies this year myself so this recipe comes at the perfect time. Thank you! BUT, I am concerned about the measurements in the recipe and need to confirm with you these measurements are actually correct.
    The Vanilla, Cinnamon, Ginger, Soda, and Salt all show using 1 T which is a Tablespoon. Is that really the correct amount or should those all be 1 t (teaspoon)? A tablespoon of those ingredients sounds like an awful lot, especially the salt, given there’s only 2 cups of flour.

    Reply
    1. lisabongean Avatar
      lisabongean

      Vicki…you are probably correct…I can’t check cause I am not at HOME…will have Stacy check my original recipe that I gave her to give to the graphic person…

      Reply
      1. VickiT Avatar
        VickiT

        Great. Thank you. I’d love to put this recipe on our list for shopping today but I’ll keep checking for your update since you aren’t home right now. I have wanted a tried and true recipe for these cookies and I figure if these have been made in such great quantities, for so many years, then this must be the recipe I need to make.

    2. Dee Avatar
      Dee

      I thought the same with the T (Tablespoon) for this recipe. I will keep watch for an update. Thank you very much! Thoughts and prayers for you and your family this Christmas Lisa. Hugs to all of you!

      Reply
  20. Mike McConnell Avatar
    Mike McConnell

    Lisa,

    Don’t worry about your Christmas decorations, do what you want. My son died 12 years ago. He was 29 yrs old and had cancer. He lives 10 months after he was diagnosed. The first 2 years after his death I did not put up a Christmas tree and very few decorations, only the nativity set. I didn’t care what people thought, they had not lost a child and could not imagine what that was and is like. The only reason now that I decorate is because I have grandkids. Take care and God Bless You and your family!

    Phyllis McConnell

    Reply
    1. lisabongean Avatar
      lisabongean

      Thanks Phyllis….my hear breaks for you…

      Reply
  21. Lily Avatar
    Lily

    You definitely deserve a “pass” this year. ..and every year will be different. Enjoy your vacation.
    Have fun in California too.

    Reply
  22. Melodee Avatar
    Melodee

    I live in Oceanside and so excited you are coming to So. Cal. I send you the warmest thoughts as you work through this holiday – we almost lost our daughter to severe depression last summer – she is better now and I am so grateful for that.

    Reply
  23. Carrie P. Avatar
    Carrie P.

    Those of us who have lost loved ones understand completely and it is okay. I pray that you will be able to enjoy Christmas. Your little ornaments speak to what it all about. Merry Christmas and have a great vacation.

    Reply
  24. lizsevy Avatar
    lizsevy

    Thanks so much for sharing the recipe. I was having the last of my molasses cookie with my coffee this morning wishing for more!! I have given myself permission to do only what I am able each year. And you’ll be relieved not to have to pack it all up after Christmas. Have a Merry Christmas!!

    Reply
  25. S Wren Avatar
    S Wren

    Hi Lisa, I love your ornaments. I tried to print a picture to attach to my pattern and couldn’t print it. Also tried without success to print your family recipe. Do you have a suggestion what to do. I always refer to the photo of my projects and as I wont get to this one til after the holidays, I really need a photo to refer to. What a special project to add to my very primitive tree! Thank you. My house says “LISA” everywhere as do so many of my ufos. Thanks, Sheila

    Reply
    1. lisabongean Avatar
      lisabongean

      S Wren
      Drag and drop the photo onto your desktop and then print it…the same will work with the recipe…both are images and will print. If you still have problems let me know

      Reply
  26. Jacque Avatar
    Jacque

    Your CA news is great. Enjoy what you can about Christmas. Best wishes

    Reply
  27. Julie Green Avatar
    Julie Green

    I could print the pictures but not the pattern ! Oh well I’ll just trace the picture and do it from there !!! Lisa, good luck on your new adventure and have a safe and wonderful Christmas and New Year ! Love seeing all the posts, so do keep up with it and we all would like to see lots of pictures of the new store !

    Reply
  28. Terry Cortez Avatar
    Terry Cortez

    Yahoo ! You’re coming to California, more precisely, Murrieta. Since I live in Murrieta I’m sure I will be a frequent visitor – can’t wait.

    Hugs to you and your family during this Holiday season. Thanks for the recipe and pattern.

    Terry

    Reply
  29. Nancy Avatar
    Nancy

    Dear Lisa…. I have been ‘with’ you since your Backyard Quilt days and as they say, ‘you’ve come a long way baby’. I’ve laughed and cried with you and have been so happy for your successes…among them, becoming a Moda designer and now a new California shop! Wow! I see a strong gal who has weathered much. I take my Lisa’s Flower Garden quilt and wrap you in a Christmas hug. Just… THANK YOU, Lisa.

    Reply
  30. Sandy pierson Avatar
    Sandy pierson

    Lisa, I totally understand and please know that I’ll be praying for you all. I can’t wait to see you in Murrieta.

    Reply
  31. Cheryl Avatar
    Cheryl

    WOW, We are so lucky that you are coming to California. My prayers are with you this season and always.

    Reply
  32. masonmarlene Avatar
    masonmarlene

    I love that you are opening a new store. I’m in Minnesota so it’s not a benefit to me but the fact that you are expanding is fabulous! You may not realize it, but the example you set is a great strength to many people who follow you and enjoy making your designs and hearing about your life.

    Thanks for the ornament designs. I especially like the manger scene and will get it done this year for my sister who has a major collection of them.

    Enjoy your holiday and the very best of luck with your new location. Merry Christmas and a peaceful and blessed New Year.

    Reply
  33. stacey larson Avatar
    stacey larson

    Lisa,
    Myself and all that love you will be hugging you and your family – even if only virtualy and in spirit. You are the strongest person I know need no forgiveness. I think it’s great that you are taking a HOLIDAY with NICK. You definately deserve and NEED it. Just remember – you wear the ROBE and wear it as no one else could. You have so many amazing things coming in the new year. The new store, the baby, Luke and Brooke and more. Not easy but embrace the blessings. HUGE HUGS from NC. (next store location?- please…………pretty please!)

    Reply
  34. Lori McCleary Avatar
    Lori McCleary

    Congratulations of realizing your dream and hang in there for the holidays. It’s a transition time … look for the new traditions and only hang on to what makes you feel good. Every day and the holidays especially are about enjoying the good things — don’t force them. Thanks so much for sharing your talents with the world and inspiring others to make beautiful things. Peace.

    Reply
  35. Robyn Brown Avatar
    Robyn Brown

    I love molasses cookies. Thanks for the recipe and pattern. Merry Christmas.

    Reply
  36. Marlene Clark Avatar
    Marlene Clark

    Thank you for being real. I only know from a sister’s view, as I was with my mom when my brother was in a vehicle accident and passed away too early in life. We never forget and I thank God for carrying us through the ruough spots. Stacey said it well, know you are loved and receiving hugs it only virtually and in spirit.
    I was blessed to be able to attend last years Road to CA. In your booth I heard a voice – and knew it was Dru! Excited! I learned she was now working for you. Excited! 1 Primitive Gathering + 1 Dru could only = 2 Exciting things to come. Yes, a store in Murrieta! When? When? When? Is opening day! I want to be off, sew I can be there and not stuck at work! Sew blessed.
    Lisa and your sweet husband, your family, have a Merry Christmas! Much deserved vacation to build on each other, sunshine in CA! See you on opening day!!

    Reply
  37. marie Avatar
    marie

    Lisa, Thank you for the lovely patterns, perfect for real meaning of Christmas. It also will be a hard time for our family, as we lost a grandson (22) on Christmas morning last year. My daughter is not doing Christmas at her house, no decorations, tree, etc. Her and husband will be going to another daughters for Christmas as there is 2 little grandchildren who wouldn’t understand. (they live in Fl) I put up our decorations/tree because we had grandchildren move here this year. (Oregon) I will have a smile and laugh but my heart will be sad. As you know there are good days and bad. Blessings to you and your family.

    Reply
  38. carol Avatar
    carol

    Praying for a peace and love filled Christmas for you.

    Reply
  39. Lori Albrechtsen Avatar
    Lori Albrechtsen

    A store here in so Cal???? You just made my day Lisa!!!!

    Reply
  40. Janet O. Avatar
    Janet O.

    Wow, Congrats on the new store. That is very exciting!!
    I appreciate your honesty about how the holiday is for you this year. I’m sure that you being real about it helps others who have dealt with similar sadness.
    Your cookie recipe is one of my absolute favorites! I can eat a whole batch myself, which is why I rarely make them unless I am taking them to some event.
    Your ornaments are spot on! Thank you for designs that share what it is really all about.
    BTW, matching your eye color to your outfit is ingenious, but must be awfully tricky. *LOL*
    I see you will be back in Utah next year–oh, I wonder if I can make it to that?

    Reply
  41. Kyle Avatar
    Kyle

    Thank you so much! Love you designs and look forward to taking a class from you this coming summer!

    Reply
  42. Gale C. Avatar
    Gale C.

    Thanks for designing ornaments about the real Christmas! Good luck to you in all your new adventures.

    Reply
  43. Carrie Avatar
    Carrie

    God Bless you and your family this Christmas! It is very courageous of you to share your heart with us, I pray for contiued comfort and strength as you all live this very painful life experience!
    How exciting for all of you and us as you expand! I am thrilled!
    Thank you for sharing “Oh Holy Night and your scrumptious cookie recipe! Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  44. Pame Avatar
    Pame

    I love the ornaments-you always come thru with something adorable! It takes many years for the holidays to be less painful but are never the same after a loss–prayers will be coming your way to ease the heaviness in your heart – cherish the memories——-Congratulations on the new shop BUT please do not leave Wisconsin! Only was able to come over once so far from South Dakota but plan to this next year. Blessing and Peace to you–
    Pame

    Reply
  45. Karen Qualls Avatar
    Karen Qualls

    Lisa, Thank you for the truly meaningful ornaments this year. This is what we all need to focus on. May the Lord be with you and your family through this season and days to come.
    I just purchased your Triangle Gathering pattern to make for my husband and I. Am very excited about your new line of triangle paper. Thank you for all you give.
    In Him,
    Karen

    Reply
  46. gijane279-Liz Avatar
    gijane279-Liz

    Lisa, FIRST: I can only imagine the pain in your heart about Lance, I have never had children (well at least 2 legged ones) so I don’t know what your going thru but I know it has to HURT like a “b” I cry each time I read your post. So, since I don’t know I offer just a cyber hug for now and when I see you in person I’ll give it to you! I’m keeping you in my prayers to make it thru this, I would think this would be the hardest year since when it happens your in shock and now your in the deal with it reality phase. SECOND: There is no rule you have to decorate, and what constitutes “decorated”; this year I put up my mini tree that spins around and lights up with fiber optic lights that I got years ago when I was in the Air Force (it’s seen plenty of dorm rooms thru my travels), I fluffed it, plugged it in and called it DONE! THIRD: I was so excited when I read the first part of your post I was doing my “Happy Dance” in my Jammies… <3 <3 the new shop is near enough for me to ride/drive too!!! Yep I probably will have to take the car the first several times since I'll be doing my best to help you reduce the inventory and loading up on my PG stuff!! FOURTH: Molasses cookies, are one of my very favorites so I'll be making a batch of these… It rocks that your mom makes 20 dozen for your Shop party, she must be where you get some of your energy because I realize making 7 batches of cookies is no walk in the park! Thanks again for the AWESOME ornies! See you soon!!!!

    Reply
  47. Marie Avatar
    Marie

    I can almost smell the molasses cookies–they remind me of my dear departed mom.

    Reply
  48. Anne Manly Avatar
    Anne Manly

    Oh Lisa these ornaments are the perfect reflection of the Christmas season and just what I’ve been looking for without realizing I was looking for them! Now I’m in a rush to dig out my wool and get busy. I wish you and your family peace this Christmas – and it sounds like you’re working hard to have a very happy new year with the new store. Enjoy your vacation and rest up! Thanks always for the inspiration you share with us all.

    Reply
  49. Barbara Avatar
    Barbara

    Thank you for the wonderful ornament patterns. I am going to enjoy making them all. Congratulations on your new store and best of luck.

    Reply
  50. Charlotte Avatar
    Charlotte

    YEAH!! All kind of rumors (facts) were flying that you were opening a store here in Murrieta. Do you have an approximate opening date? And can you reveal the location? Looking forward to it.

    The ornaments are beautiful – so simple but elegant.

    Thought and prayers are with you this season.

    Charlotte

    Reply
  51. Stacy McDaniel Avatar
    Stacy McDaniel

    Lisa
    I’m thinking of you and your family during this first tough holiday season without Lance. There have been so many memories about him posted by friends- he is always with you. Take care, you are a strong beautiful woman! Congrats on the new store in CA now we have a reason for a road trip West!!
    Stacy

    Reply
  52. Amélie Avatar
    Amélie

    merci pour toutes ces belles choses partagées au cours de l’année et joyeux Noël.Amélie

    Reply
  53. Patty Hogan Avatar
    Patty Hogan

    Welcome to California Lisa, so glad you are coming…..

    Reply
  54. Judi Urbanek Avatar
    Judi Urbanek

    There are no words to ease the pain of losing a child and I’m not so sure time eases the loss either. Our daughter suffered a stroke at the young age of 22 months. Doctors told us that IF she survived, she would be a vegetable and we should consider putting her into a state run children’s facility; we were young enough to start a new family! We didn’t do as the doctors advised — AND she didn’t understand that they were basically telling her to ‘give up’ either! That was 39 years ago. She’s become an amazing young woman — gorgeous, compassionate & strong-willed. She’s married & leads a productive life. I still relive the day she entered the hospital not knowing what laid ahead and then 10 days later when she had her stroke. I still spend more time than is probably advisable weeping & give her an extra big hug every time I see her. So, I can’t image the weight of sorrow your heart is enduring.

    When you shared your son’s story with us at the Des Moines guild last summer & then we had the chance to sit & visit before the evening meeting started, I thought to myself that I would love to have you in my life — and for a short time, I did. Thanks for sharing your sorrow & your talents with me — I know our paths will cross again. I think I see a road trip to Menasha come Spring. . .!!

    BTW, Congratulations on your newest location in California! They will absolutely fall in love with you and all your wonderful projects!

    Christmas isn’t about the decorations or gifts under the tree. It’s about spending time with the most important people in your life, celebrating your faith & reflecting on how incredible this journey really is. I’m not an overly religious person anymore because I’ve never been able to wrap my arms around how God could have let something so horrific happen to our beautiful little girl. Years later, I believe God blessed her with deep compassion for others. Some day I hope to ask Him ‘WHY?’

    I know you know this . . . Lance’s life was cut short but I believe he’s proudly looking down on his Mom & wouldn’t want you to be sad. He’ll always be your special guardian angel and I’m sure goes with you on every single journey you take. When you do finally decide to decorate the tree, he will be there, too — sparkling!

    Enjoy your holidays with Nick and your family!

    I’m so blessed to have known you, Lisa!!

    Judi
    Johnston, IA

    Reply
  55. DaisyS Avatar
    DaisyS

    Lisa, I’ve been following you for three years and always look forward to my emails saying you have a new post. It is like opening a present every time you post. And again when I get the packages from your shop!

    I have thought of you, Lance, and your family many times in the past year. Prayers and hugs for you this holiday season and the coming new year with all your new ventures!

    Reply

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