Im unsure if you were rebucketed.

Mortgage hit your credit reports take a ding

INQ for mortgage take a ding

Numerous applications (INQ's) for CC's take a ding

Get CC's take a ding

INQ for auto loan take a ding

Get auto loan take a ding

So with that scenario losing 40 points really isnt a bad deal.

Your scores will rebound as time goes on. I would think since your gardening your scores should be back up to where they were before all the applications and new accounts by years end, and possibly increase. Just make sure you make your payments on time.