Requested- CHEESEBURGER Soup Recipe!

So... Aaron has been requesting I make this soup since last winter. Seriously. I told him it was not a spring/summer meal, and I would be making it again in the fall. Wellll... guess what. Now that it is fall, he once again requested it. Yesterday was too warm- but today? Today is the PERFECT day for this soup! Cold, cloudy, and rainy. Sienna and I have stayed indoors the entire day... in our pajamas. She has been sleeping through the night, with the occasional wake-up during the night. I decided to stay up late last night (12:30) working on editing photos/business. I thought- "no problem, she has been sleeping until about 8:30 a.m., I can survive on that much sleep one night". No. She decided to wake up at 3... and 6. I then fell asleep in the rocking chair feeding her- until she awoke at 8:30. Ughhh..... So, I made the executive decision to stay in our pajamas- nice and warm- all day. :) (Okay, yes, I did shower and I did wash her up!) I had gotten all of the ingredients for the soup on Monday, waiting for the temps to drop again. Today is the day- and I am sure Aaron is going to be chomping (pun intended) at the bit to get home and eat! I doubled my batch so I can freeze and have a nice, easy meal another night. I serve with homemade bread or something like Pillsbury flaky biscuits. Yuuummmmmmmm.

Cheeseburger Soup:

4 c potatoes
3/4c onion (1 sm onion)
3/4c carrots (Picky eaters? Leave out.)
3/4c celery (Same with these.)
1 jalapeno...seeded and minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2tsp basil
1/2tsp parsley
4 tablespoons butter
3c chicken broth
1 lb hamburger
1-2c (i used 2!) shredded cheddar cheese
1/3-1/2 of box of Velveeta, cubed
1/4c flour
1 1/2c milk
1/4c sour cream
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
A couple "squirts" of ketchup and mustard

salt and pepper to taste


1. In a large pot, melt 1 tablespoon butter or margarine over medium heat: cook and stir vegetables, jalapeno, garlic, and beef, until beef is brown.
2. Stir in basil and parsley. Add broth and potatoes. Bring to a boil, then simmer until potatoes are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
3. Melt the remainder of butter and stir in flour. Add the milk, stirring until smooth.
4. Gradually add milk mixture to the soup, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer. Stir in cheese. When cheese is melted, add sour cream and heat through. Do not boil. Season with cayenne.

Garnish with bacon bits, chopped pickles, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce if you so desire!

Show some LOVE!

If you haven't already- please "like" my Old Soul Charm {Photography} page on Facebook... Follow along for updated posts, pics, etc!

Fall Oreo Truffles

YUM! Today we are having one of Aaron's co-workers and his family over for dinner after work to grill. In Iowa today it's mid-70's and perfect warm fall grilling weather. Burgers with garden tomatoes, cheesy potatoes that I just mixed up, along with green bean casserole and a pasta salad is the menu. Had it been last week... we also would be having homemade apple crisp- with apples from my grandparents backyard! This week... what to make for dessert was on my mind. Now, I have about 15 boxes of brownies still in my pantry from my coupon raid this summer, but I wasn't feeling those. I wanted something more "special". Fall Oreo Truffles it is. Easy, quick, and ohhhh soo fulfilling for those chocolate after-dinner cravings. Wanna make some? Herreeee it issss! Enjoy.

1 package Oreos (Halloween orange cream filled ones)
1 package cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 packages Bakers semi-sweet chocolate squares, melted
Sprinkles in your fave fall colors

1- Crush Oreos. I just throw 'em in my blender and turn it on, stir, turn on again. Done.
2- In medium bowl, combine soft cream cheese and Oreo crumbs. Mix with spatula until all evenly blended.
3- Roll cookie/cream cheese mixture into about 1-inch balls.
4- Melt chocolate in bowl in microwave until all smooth
5- Roll Oreo balls in chocolate- place on cookie sheet/wax paper.
6- Sprinkle on your sprinkles!
7- Refrigerate until hard, at least 1 hour. Then, store in sealed container.
8- Eat one to make sure it turned out okay.
9. Repeat step 8, above.
10. Share!

*Recipe adapted from Kraft Recipes.

Sienna Lynn is {almost} THREE months!

I am starting to take photo's for others, as well as keep on with more and more of Sienna. This weekend we were busy with lots of "mini shoots"! She turned 12 weeks yesterday, and I can't believe it! Smiling constantly is my absolute favorite thing these days! Enjoy the pics!

Stationery card

Elegant Lace Girl Birth Announcement

Create beautiful birth announcements at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

"Remember You're Her Daddy"

Remember you're her daddy
when she's crying late at night,
when she needs a little loving
to know that it's alright.
Remember you're her daddy
when dolly's lost an arm,
when you take the time to fix it
because you can't resist her charm.
Remember you're her daddy
when she's had a real rough day,
when school's been pretty tough on her
and nothings went her way.
Remember you're her daddy
when she goes on her first date,
when you tell her to be in by ten
and she's not home 'till late.
Remember you're her daddy
when she makes you very proud,
when in a very awkward way
she stands out in a crowd.
Remember you're her daddy
the first man she's ever kissed,
and when you go away
you'll be very, very, missed.
Remember you're her daddy
remember I'm your wife,
we know that you'll love us
for the rest of your life.
 Copyright 2002
Christine Michaels
www.WelcomeBaby.com

Dress Clothes and FREEBIE!!!

Alright everyone- lets have a little fun!

For all the men out there or the man in your life needing some new dress clothes- I have the perfect place for you to do so! Shirts, pants, suits, ties, etc- these are top of the line AND, come with some awesome discounts! Visit Dardis Clothiers. THEN, in order to get the promo code (discount!) enter Griffin Hatten as your rep and he'll hook you up! ("Like" the Dardis Clothiers Des Moines Facebook page or email him for extra info)

BONUS- not only will you get the great clothes you need.... the FIRST person to make a purchase through him will also receive a FREE Old Soul Charm hat for a little one ($25 value!). Hurry on over!! First one!!

Remember, enter Griffin Hatten as your rep for your discount, and let him know you were referred through Old Soul Charm.