It’s hard to believe the 2021 has come to an end. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been thinking about all the amazing blessings this year. Today I want to share the best of 2021-a cottage review!

Family Time & Milestones
My year started with my family. For me, that’s the perfect place to start! For the last few years, we have had a family day creating vision boards. Actually, I did a post on How To Create A Vision Board. Have you heard of them? You collect pictures and sayings etc. from magazines and glue your new year goals to a poster board. Stickers work well too! It’s so fun to see what everyone wants to accomplish and the board and it works great for accountability. Trust me, it’s a great family day!
Oh, and I am happy to report, I accomplished most of the goals on my board!
Can you believe this? My family is growing to ten, next year! My oldest son and daughter-in-law are having twins! To say this family is excited is an understatement!
We had a family wedding this year! My middle son got engaged in May and was married in November. This dominated man family was thrilled to welcome a new sister and daughter-in-law! It was a beautiful day and an amazing wedding!



And as of now, we are four guys, four gals. Who will take the lead?
Finally, our youngest son recently graduated from college, with honors! He can now say he has a BA in Mechanical Engineering.
Yes, it was a family year full of wonderful blessings!!



My Blankets
If you’re a regular here, it’s no secret that I make blankets for a cause. The cause…I donate a portion of each blanket to help find a cure for brain tumors. I started The Journey because my middle son has battled a benign brain tumor for ten years. He has had four brain surgeries and one round of radition. I am happy to report the tumor is not growing and he is doing amazing!
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28
By God’s grace, I made and shipped blankets to people all over the country this year. It’s my ministry and I never take for granted what it means. Through heartache and redemption of health, our family has been blessed abundantly!






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Blogging Buddies
I’ve been on this blogging adventure for about a year and a half. I’m loving it and I have met so many amazing people! In July, I had the opportunity to meet many of them in person. I traveled to Atlanta and attended the Haven conference. In case you don’t know what that is, it’s a blogging conference.


Let me tell you, it was better than I could have ever imagined! So many talented friends sharing, encouraging, teaching and inspiring, all in one place.



It’s a lovely thing, this adventure. My blogging buddies are from all over the United States, yet we are connected by our love of sharing our craft. I have been so blessed by the connections and special friendships that have formed.
“Let our new year’s resolution be this: We will be there for one another as fellow members of humanity, in the finest sense of the word.” – Goran Persson
Mitten Moments
This year, I created my Mitten Moments. Fun, random moments from my week that I love sharing with you. It’s also a great way to share my fellow blogger’s talented posts.
I’ve had a lot of positive feedback and I’m definitely looking forward to continuing my moments in 2022! When you read my blog and share me with others, it helps me to reach my goals. Goals that I have for my blogging journey and those for the cause. I appreciate you so very much!!
My Top Five Posts
Want to know what YOUR favorite Cottage in the Mitten posts were in 2021?
I knew you would! I’m so excited to share my top five with you.
Let’s start with…
5.) 27 NEW AMAZING GAP HOME DECOR ITEMS
Walmart announced that they were carrying the new and amazing line by Gap Home.
Can we just talk about how pretty their decor items are? If you missed it, you can see my Gap Home post here.


4.) My Summer Home Tour
Who doesn’t love sunshine, flowers and warm weather??
I was blessed to be a part of some amazing home tours this year and this Easy Breezy Summer Home Tour was definitely a fun one!
Nice to know, I’m not the only one who loves the sunshiny season!

3.) My Fall Home Tour
Besides my summer tour, you all loved My Best Fall Home Tour. The table setting in this tour was my absolute favorite one of the year!
I’m so glad you liked it too!

2.) How To Make A Fairy Garden
Tinker Bell is my favorite! Who cares how old I am…she is my favorite!
So this DIY fairy garden was more than fun and so easy too!
Everyone needs a little fairy dust in their life!

1.) HOW TO CREATE A SHE SHED IN A ROOM
Here it is!
Your favorite post of the year.
This project was my biggest of the year. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to know you loved my she room!

As 2021 comes to an end, I want to thank you for all the love you’ve shown me!
Whether you are a faithful reader, you’ve encouraged me, purchased a blanket for the cause, prayed for me, pinned my photos or shared me with others, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
I hope you have an amazing 2022 and that all your dreams come true!

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Love that group photo of all of us! My blanket you made for me is one of my cherished items in 2021. Such a wonderful year for you with all of these amazing events in your life. I cannot wait to see photos of the twins. Congrats, dear friend.
Thank you so much, Tammy! That makes my heart so happy! So grateful we met. Your friendship definitely blessed me in 2021! xo
You are amazing! It was so much fun reading your post. Hugs and blessings to you.
Awe, thank you! The best to you in 2022!
Beautiful post!! I don’t have that group picture from dinner!!
Thank you, Jen! I’ll send it to you! xo
I loved your She Shed/Room! Congratulations on the new grandchildren. Have a very happy New Year!
Thank you! It was my favorite project, last year. Happy New Year!
I recently discovered your blog and I love it. Your family is growing in a very special way and I look forward to your upcoming posts about the twins. Your home is beautiful and I did read all of your previous posts to catch up. Thank you for sharing such great ideas and adventures with us!!!
Thank you very much! I appreciate your kindness. Happy New Year!
What an amazing year you’ve had, my friend! I’m sorry I wasn’t able to attend Haven and meet you in person. Maybe next ( oops, this) year. Happy New Year, Kim! xo
Yes, for sure this year, Juliet! It will be so much fun!
Kim, loved this post recapping 2021. You and Mr Mitten have done an incredible job raising and supporting your family. Thru all of life’s challenges, blessings, you are an inspiration. Twins!
Looking forward to all your upcoming posts. So many beautiful decorating ideas with links. How often do we see a pic and have no idea where to find it?
I love the quotes you sprinkle in.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for those very kind words! You have been such a lifelong and treasured friend! Happiest New Year to you, friend! xo
It was a busy year! I love your Mitten Moments, Kim! I really do! Now I need a she shed room too! Love you!
I’ll help you create that she room, girl!! xoxo
What a great post!!! it was so fun to look back with you Kim! What a great year!
Awe, thanks Stacy! I so appreciate that. I hope your new year is full of all you dream of!