How do I even begin to describe myself? My name is Kesia and I’m definitely not the person I once was.

My motorcycle accident in 2011 changed me completely. I was no longer physically the same, or mentally. I had a very confusing outlook on life after the accident; I couldn’t understand why I made it through something like that. I did, however, and that’s what mattered. 

I had to have many surgeries after my wreck, an amputation being one of them. I had thankfully met my husband, Nathan, by the time I had to have the rest of my hand amputated. Having him there to support me was truly a saving grace. I had no idea then how much I needed him, but I definitely do now. Since we met, I have had to have a couple of surgeries, and a ton of trying to figure out how to do things “normally” again.

Let’s face it, life throws curve balls. 

Most of all I wanted to be a mom, but I had no idea how I’d be able to do it. We started trying after we got married, and month after month I felt like a failure. I felt like the one thing I wanted most in life, I couldn’t do. After 6 long years of trying and finally giving up, we were pregnant. In between all that time, we had bought our house and paid off all of our vehicles, which was such a huge blessing in itself.

My son, Killian, came at such a much-needed point in our lives, just when I needed him most. He has truly made me the best version of myself. Someone I wouldn’t even have pictured when I was younger. I am lucky to be able to be a stay-at-home mom and enjoy all of his stages growing up. I can’t thank my husband enough for all he does for us. Our son looks up to him so much, it’s such an incredible thing to see. 

I was actually one of the last of my friends-group to have a child, so being able to see all of their children play with him and show him how to do things has been so special for me. My best friend’s girls have such a special bond with him and so does she. She actually was there to witness his birth, along with my sister and his dad, of course. I couldn’t have asked for a better support system to be there for me. They all knew exactly what I needed without me having to say anything. Now that’s one amazing night I will never forget. 

Nathan supports all of my adventures in trying to find something I love doing and that doesn’t absolutely frustrate me and make me want to give up. I tried my hand in photography, which ended up not being something I truly enjoyed. However, I think I’ve finally found something I love doing. My husband and I both enjoy woodworking and with that, I can also incorporate painting/vinyl designs. Crafting has always been something I’ve loved, but I never pictured it being such a big role in my life. 

I’m constantly trying to redo some piece of furniture or create something on my Cricut. I love watching my husband out in our garage creating his pieces, but my favorite thing of all is to watch my son watching us do all of this.

Something else I love doing is gardening. I’m constantly trying to think of ways I can make our flowerbeds better or ways to make our vegetable garden produce more. I’m thankful my husband puts up with my crazy ideas because, let’s face it, they come out of left field sometimes. I also love rockhounding with my kiddo, which means I’m constantly bringing home beautiful pieces I find. Some stay in my garden and the prettier pieces get displayed in our home. 

My love for rocks/gemstones definitely started when I was little. I have collected stones for as long as I can remember. I remember collecting most of them when I would go on vacation with my dad, stepmom, and stepbrother. That’s also where my love for the ocean came from. Being around the ocean has always felt so peaceful for me in so many ways. I didn’t know what that feeling was when I was younger, but now I definitely understand it. 

Sometimes that’s all we need: a bit of inner peace.

I’m glad my son is definitely following in my footsteps and loves doing all of the things I enjoy. That may change as he gets older, but for now, I’ll enjoy every bit of it. 

Another fun fact about me is, I’m an FRG leader for my husband’s unit. I chair a group of volunteers that is comprised of spouses, extended family members, friends, community members, and neighbors. I have done this for 6 years now. It’s been a lot of hard work, but so rewarding at the same time.

I’ve lived in Twin Falls my whole life, minus about a year or so of it. Being a homebody definitely benefits from the things I love doing. Once in a while, though, it’s nice to get out, especially if that means going to go see my sister and her kids or some of our other family/friends. I’m not the type of person to just go, go, go. This is funny because most of my friends are that type. Killian will definitely have fun with all of his bonus aunties and their shenanigans. 

In the future, I hope to have one more child, so my son doesn’t have to grow up alone. I hope to have the home of our dreams built or our current home completely renovated to how we are dreaming of. Most of all, I hope to continue to be the best version of myself, even if that version isn’t ideal for everyone. I’ve learned that the only person I need to please is myself. Without loving myself and being happy with who I am, I would not be able to be a good friend, mom, sister, or wife. 

My Instagram/TikTok handles: @thatsassyamputeemama