it turned out great! and it was super easy.
http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/white_bean_and_ham_soup/
i chopped onion, celery, and (extra) carrots the night before. added the quart of water, veggies, salt, pepper, teaspoon of minced garlic and (extra) herbs de provence into the crock pot. popped the lid on and into the fridge overnight. soaked the beans on the stove.
in the morning i drained the beans, added the ham bone, and turned it on low.
when i got home all i did was take out the bone and fatty meat, add some chopped ham, and heated the meat through. made some pillsbury biscuits and it was a done deal.
it was really good- i would highly recommend this one. tracyd- it wasn't super aromatic either so it might work for you.
Re: another good soup recipe- ham and bean
oooh good to know! thanks