DECIDING ON PLANTS When it comes to deciding which plants you want in your garden, there are many variables to consider. Do you want to grow edible plants, ones that have magnificent blossoms, or ones that are easy to care for? Flowers are a good start if you want a plant that grows a little faster; plus, they lend a pop of color to your garden. Growing vegetables is also rewarding, as the kids will take great pleasure in eating what they’ve grown. Other possibilities include sunflowers, blackberries, peas, and lettuce. You might be surprised at how willingly children eat their greens when they’ve had a hand in growing them. Family gardens can bring something new and fresh to your home. So, get outside, enjoy the sun, and discover the joys of plants and gardening. Why You Should Consider Investing in a Family Garden GARDENING: BRINGING FAMILY TOGETHER
After spending a winter cooped up inside with your family, there might be a little tension between everyone. Fortunately, it’s spring, and the warm weather, melting snow, and blooming flowers offer a good way to ease restlessness. This season, why not bring your family closer together by starting a family garden? A LEARNING EXPERIENCE Nearly every step in the gardening process can be a learning experience for kids and parents alike. Begin by discussing where you should start and why, what supplies you’ll need, and MELANIE BRINGS THE ENTHUSIASM When you walk into our Caldwell or Nampa clinics, Melanie is probably one of the first people you see. She’s at the front desk three days a week in Caldwell, at our Midland Clinic on Tuesdays, and at the Greenhurst clinic on Thursdays. As our billing coordinator, Melanie embraces her tall tasks, relishing the opportunity to get to know everyone and making sure things are running smoothly at each location. She also appreciates watching the progress patients make, from the first time they come in to after they’ve started working with our physical therapists. Melanie expresses an enthusiasm and excitement for every part of Altitude. Asked about her job, she says, “I just love every aspect of it, from the front desk to billing. I love this job. I love getting up and going to work. It’s like a big family. The interactions with employees and patients are my favorite.”
the types of plants you want to grow. Gardening also offers opportunities to learn about science, ecology, and nutrition.
COLLABORATION Gardening gives your family a chance to
collaborate. When you’re stuck inside for long periods, you may be spending time together, but it’s usually not quality time. Working in a group to create and maintain a garden is a hands-on experience for everyone. It’s a chance to get the whole family involved with a single project, and you can literally share the fruits of your labor.
My entire family at my son Jacob’s High school graduation.
What makes Altitude such a great place to work? As Melanie explains, “We have a ton of fun. Sometimes we have Nerf gun battles, or we’ll go out and exercise with our patients. We have a really good time. It’s a relaxed, laid-back environment. We want to make sure our patients are comfortable and have a positive experience.” After work, Melanie is a scrapbooker and “always has projects going on.” She has documented milestones for each of her two sons since they were born. Jacob, her eldest, is studying computer science at BSU. Her youngest, Colby, is active in the marching band at his high school, where he plays the saxophone. Colby isn’t the only one with a musical ear — Melanie and her husband, Darin, were both in jazz band in school, and Darin often
jumps right back in and plays his sax with Colby at home. High school sweethearts, Melanie and Darin are very grateful
to live in Idaho, and they take pleasure in watching their boys grow up in the same community they did. We’re really grateful Melanie is here, too, and that Altitude is blessed with her skills and positive personality. Say hi to Melanie next time you see her at a clinic!
My son Colby and his friend Maddy at a marching band event.
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