Mix equal amounts of the nine beans together. This can be done in a bowl or in a jar that is larger than the beans fill. A child will love to help mix these up! If you would rather you (or your child helper) may layer these 'sand art' style as pictured!

Add this label:

2 cups bean soup mix

2 quarts water

1 pound ham and sausage, diced (can just use ham bone)

1 large onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 - 3/4 teaspoon salt

1 16 oz. can tomatoes, undrained and chopped (may use frozen equivalent)

1 10 oz. can rotel tomatoes, undrained

Sort and wash bean mix; place in dutch oven or crock. Cover with water 2" above beans, and soak overnight. Drain beans; add 2 quarts water and next 4 ingredients. Cover and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 1 1/2 hours or until beans are tender. Cook overnight in a crock pot. Add remaining ingredients; simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Makes 8 cups. If using a ham bone, remove bone from soup, remove meat from bone, chop meat and return meat to soup.