go matt!

Lockport High School senior Matt Benes was the only hurdler in the Class 3A division of the Illinois High School Association boys state meet in the 110 meter high hurdles event to break the 14-second barrier in the preliminaries May 28 with a :13.96.

The next day was not as kind to the Homer Glen resident.

Benes clocked a :14.34 at O'Brien Stadium in Charleston and finished third behind Marian Catholic's Erick Gavin (:13.90) and Plainfield South's Brandon Winters (:13.94) May 29.

It was his first medal and had no reason to be ashamed of a third-place finish in the state.

But after his sparkling finish in the prelims, he had his eye on the top prize.

Marilyn, Matt, Amy, Frank

"It wasn't my time today," Benes said seconds after the race. "I don't know what it was but starting the race I didn't feel right and I don't know why. But third place? That's not bad. Those other guys are good. They are the best in the state. I won a medal and it's a good way to end my (high school) career."

by Jeff Vorva/Triblocal reporter.com staff reporter

Needless to say, we are very proud of our nephew, Matthew Benes, who is graduating from Lockport High School next week and will continue his journey to Southern Illinois University in the fall.  You are the best, Matt, and may all your dreams come true!   With our love...xo

memorial weekend

This weekend we honor all our brave heroes - the men and women who served our country to maintain our freedom to live as we do. This is the time we celebrate the beginning of summer and most of us have barbeques with good old-fashioned American food, such as hot dogs, hamburgers and potato salad.  We hold our flags high to remind ourselves of those who are integral in our being able to enjoy these simple pleasures.  We need to know and remember what they endured so that our generation and those to come will continue to enjoy our country, despite the turmoils that occur within our systems.  We still have the right to agree and disagree, complain and cheer for things we hold dear to our heart.  Let's not take that for granted.  Ever.

Quincy, Illinois is home to the Veterans who served our country and need a place to live.  It holds various barracks and housing facilities for anyone who served our country.  If you are looking for a place to tour that is only five hours from Chicago, I highly recommend taking a trip here to see how we honor our Vets.  They have a pond in the shape of the state of Illinois and the grounds are fabulous. 

Wayne's Uncle Stephan Nalepa will be 93 soon and he served in the Army during World War II in Germany. We have a few other family members that served our country; Wayne's dad, George Wind, served in the Navy in World War II as a cook for the soldiers, Wayne's Uncle Edward Nalepa served the Korean War my Uncle William Girtman served in the Berlin Crisis Army. Uncle Ronald Mielzynski served in the Korean War. My Great Uncle Bob Morgan served in the Army Infantry during World War II and in Korean War, joining his brothers Richard Morgan who served in the Army Air Core during World War II and the Korean War, Wayne Morgan served in the Air Force during the Korean War and Jack Morgan served in the Army in World War II.  All these brothers survived the Wars. My Great Grandfather William Morgan served in the Army during World War I and my Great-Great Grandfather Alfread Girtman, served in the Civil War Union Army.  Tom Riley served in the Air Force and Dennis Palaszynski served in the Army in Vietnam. My brother John Mielzynski served in the Marines and just missed having to be part of Desert Storm.  That's a lot of brave heroes in our family!

The Veteran's Museum is loaded with historical memorabilia from every war since our country was conceived.  This weekend we hold tribute for all their efforts and keep them in our prayers in thanksgiving for their contributions.  I am grateful for all the Veterans of the past and those serving today.  I am proud to be an American, no matter what shape or form we get ourselves into, we are still the greatest country.  To all our heroes - I salute you.

God Bless You All! xo 

strange

For fast acting relief, try slowing down.

I was just meditating in my garden, opened my eyes, and it looked like it was snowing.  It is almost 90 degrees outside!  The cottonwood just flew everywhere so softly.  Soon I'll be sneezing. I put on my clog shoes and felt a soft, annoying lump, so I took it off and flipped it and out popped a baby frog.  He was traumatized but alive.   Poor thing. 

Look with wonder at that which is before you.

This sky was so beautiful and I just had to take pause and thank God for kissing us with his graces.  As I listened to my ipod, I heard a familiar song and couldn't quite put my finger on where I heard it before; then it came to me - the song they play during all the tender moments, reunions and flashbacks during LOST.  It is called Opus 26 by Dustin O'Halloran.  The sky depicted its melody perfectly.

Hold fast to your dreams, for it dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.

This little guy was watching me for awhile.  Now I'm inside making chicken fajitas (one of Wayne's favorites.)  While it is simmering I decided to watch the Grey's Anatomy finale and it is only 25 minutes into it and I had to take a few breaks already - it is sooo intense.  90 minutes to go.  I look forward to American Idol tonight - both contestants are worthy; Lee is our homeboy but Crystal has been my favorite from the beginning.  She is such a modern day hippie-chick.  Happy birthday to my neighbor and friend for a quarter of a century, Robin.  We chatted for a bit but will celebrate with breakfast tomorrow morning at Egg Harbor Cafe in Downers Grove.  Wayne and I usually go to the one in Hinsdale, so it will be fun to check out the other location. 

There is no cosmetic for beauty like happiness. xo

reality

I have to ponder this thought.  Webster says reality is a state of actual existence; fact, truth.  Meantime, feed your mind with Snapple fun facts. 

Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing.

The average person takes 23,000 breaths a day.

Less than 25% of the water on Earth is fresh.

Fresh apples float because 25% of their volume is air.

The indentation in the middle of the area between the nose and the upper lip is call the philtrum.

Potatoes have more chromosomes than humans.

The only food that does not spoil is honey.

When thirsty, a camel can drink 25 gallons of water in less than three minutes.

The average housefly lives for one month.

The bumblebee bat is the smallest mammal on Earth.  It weighs less than a penny.

The Mayflower only held 102 people.

The most widely-eaten fruit is the banana.

President William Taft weighted over 300 lbs. and once got stuck in the White House bathtub.

Dueling is legal in Paraguay as long as both parties are registered blood donors.

The National Park Service manages over 350 parks on 80 million acres of public land.

Ulysses Simpson Grant once got a $20.00 fine for speeding on his horse.  LOL

Bees are fully grown at birth.

Wild camels once roamed Arizona's deserts.

On average, a strawberry has 200 seeds on it.

Koalas drink water in extreme heat or drought.

A manned rocket can reach the moon in less time than it took a stagecoach to travel the length of England.

A tiger's night vision is six times better than a human's.

If a sheep and a goat mate the offspring is called a geep.

The roadrunner chases after its prey at a blurring speed of up to 25 mph.

The world's larges nugget (1840 lbs.) was found in 1894 near Aspen, CO.

Pilates stretches you muscles, improves your posture and help you appear taller.

Bless a thing and it will bless you.  Curse it and it will curse you...If you bless a situation, it has no power to hurt you... and even if it is troublesome for a time, it will gradually fade out, if you sincerely bless it.  Emmet Fox

Hope you enjoy this lovely, summer-like day.  xo

life is beautiful

I heard this song on my ipod today and just had to share.  It is perfect.

As I approach the prime of my life

I find I have the time of my life

Learning to enjoy at my leisure

All simple pleasures

And so I happily concede

This is all I ask

This is all I need

Beautiful girls, walk a little slower when you walk by me

Lingering sunsets

Stay a little longer with the lonely sea

Children everywhere

When you shoot that beam

Shoot at me

Take me to that strange enchanted land

Grownups seldom understand

Rainbows leave a bit of color

For my heart to own

Stars in the sky

Make my wish come true

Before the night has flown

And let the music play

As long as there's a song to sing

And I will stay in the moment in spring

My wish for today is no more drama...please...pretty please...with sugar on top. xo

celebrations

Having come from a huge family, there was never a shortage of celebrations to be had at my home.  We celebrated everything - birthdays, communions, graduations, holidays and it always included food, the way most of us let others know they are loved.  I figure it is fuel for the soul and heart.  When we were kids, my dad would always pull out his accordian and entertain us.  Later on, others joined in with guitars and singing, and even a little dancing went on.  The bottom line was when people connect, their spirits soar with joy just being together and sharing whatever occasion presents itself for that day.  The more, the merrier.

We used to have parties all the time and sometimes just for no reason, just to bring people together and share a day connecting.  Whoever was able came by, simple as that.  We attend most parties that we are invited to, but sometimes other plans interfere, and we miss out, but get there the next round.  With big families and many friends, there is always something going on.  It's nice to visit the homes and see what updates are created and be a part of each other's lives.  We take time to share our sanctuaries.

Parties offer us the time to just hang out and catch up on things going on in our lives.  Phone calls, chat rooms, texting and even facebook and blogs can never replace the joy of a loving hug or sweet smile.  Whoever hosts a party spends time preparing for the celebration, but it is always worth the memories replayed afterwards.  Pictures recreate and capture the moments of love shared.

 

We celebrated Steven's high school graduation and what a wonderful time all had.  The energies exchanged were phenomenal.  Many commented on how each individual group of people enjoyed all the larger connections in a healthy, fun and loving way.  There was no tension at all.  This might seem strange, but many times parties offer opportunities for conflict to occur, which is why we refrained from having any chance of that happening the past few years.  This last celebration offered a peaceful balance to those times.  Karma always comes around. 

The most significant part of parties is when we revisit friends of old and see how they have grown and matured.  It amazes me how quickly time flies and how short life really is just by acknowledging the younger kids each time they visit.

And there is always the next generation to begin their own parties and celebrations enabling them to make all their own memories together.  The best we can hope for is we set a loving example of how it's done for them to follow, just as our parents and relatives did for us.  My dad always said the louder the music, the better the party. We had music playing throughout the grounds, but the best music was the conversations heard all day.  Thanks to all for sharing.  Love and hugs.  xo

for steve

Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.  William Jennings Bryan

Congratulations, Steve! This weekend we will celebrate many accomplishments.  You came to this earth with no baggage from past lives, just to enjoy the world and all it has to offer.  Your spirit is like the freebird, and your soul is filled with love and compassion.  The world holds many wonders for you to explore and leave your distinct mark on it.  Our family has been blessed with your presence.  You graduated from Downers South High School earlier than most, with a 3.8 GPA which includes accelerated classes the last two years.  You learned two languages, Spanish and German, and I have a feeling there is much more to come.  You attended the cosmetology school for awhile and have a fantastic skill in haircoloring.  You found your true passion in the multi-media, especially art and music.  Remember when you and Andrea were DJs on Saturday nights and I always requested The World by Five for Fighting?  And you always played it for me.  Thanks.  Then I brought shakes for your indulgence.

On our journey, we must find out where we are before we can plan the first step. Kathy Boevink

When you were little, you were so happy and carefree and everyone loved being around you.  Your tresses were so blonde for a long time.  Adolescence brought confusion and experimentation that tried to squish your vibrant essence, but you did not let it. You were wise to seek help and were blessed with many who provided same.  You excelled on the pommel horse in gymnastics and wowed us with your physical abilities.  You were so cute as a tae kwon do kid, earning your black belt at a tender age.  Your social skills keep you connected with many friends and your heart is big and beautiful.  You beat to your own drum and have a keen artistic eye.

There are no mistakes.  The events we bring on ourselves, no matter how unpleasant, are necessary in order to learn what we need to learn.  Whatever steps we take, they're necessary to reach the places we've chosen to go.  Richard Bach

As your journey continues, I hope you celebrate all the hurdles you have overcome.  The mistakes and sorrow will only make you stronger and guide you to become a well-rounded and wise man.  You are loved by many, but remember it is your core family that will always be your best ally.  Your brothers are your blood, and as different as you all are, you still have a common bond that will never cease. Find joy in nature and feel contented that God will always answer your prayers.  Follow your heart and do your best.  Be happy and love as you would be loved. 

I sang this song to all you boys, but you will always be my baby boy. xo

For Your Babies

You've got that look again

The one I hoped I had when I was a lass

Your face is just beaming

Your smile got me boasting, my pulse roller-coasting

Anyway the four winds that blow

They're gonna send me sailing home to you

Or I'll fly with the force of a rainbow

The dream of gold will be waiting in your eyes

You know I'd do most anything you want

Hey I, I try to give you everything you need

I can see that it gets to you

I don't believe in many things

But in you, I do

Your faith is amazing

The pain that he goes through contained in the hope for you

Your whole world has changed

The years spent before seem more cloudy than blue

In many ways your baby's controlling

When you haven't laid down for days

For the poor no time to be thinking

They're too busy finding ways

You know I'd do most anything you want

Everyday I, I try to give you anything you need

We'll always be there for you

I don't believe in many things

But in you, I do.

Simply Red

congrats angeline

Wayne's cousin Ed (Bonyok) and Dianne hosted a lovely graduation party for their daughter, Angeline.

She graduated from St. Xavier's College in a mere three years.  Now she will pursue her Masters degree.  Good for her.  She is one bright gal and full of determination and intelligence. 

Angie's sister, Natalie, just had to show Steve how strong she is...

Typical garage party - we love to gather and catch up with good old friends (by old I mean for a long time: decades.)

The best place to be at their house is on this swing Ed made.  I was on the other side taking the pictures and  it is so relaxing under this beautiful maple tree.  He is really a creative carpenter. 

To all the 2010 graduates.  Cheers to you.  May all your dreams come true! xo

tugs my heart

Hi Rob.  Looking forward to coming here and getting lost in your beautiful blogs when I have more 'computer' time.  Seriously, it's one of the things I look most forward to.

Thank you, Rob, for all your kind words and feelings.  It means so very much to me. Love you.  Hugs from me.

Oh, Robbie, that is so nice.  I may not post all the time but I do read your blog.

This warms my heart.  My blogs are my expressions from within and sometimes I release some deep and heavy stuff; others are light-hearted banter.  Lately I have pondered why I get excited sharing my innermost thoughts and feelings and the answer I received was this is how I am leaving a part of myself to my boys and the world.  One day they may wonder why things came about and what made me tick, and even how to re-create a recipe when I am not around to do so.  Everything I share comes from my heart and soul, and these are my truths, good and bad, happy and sad. 

Thanks for sharing.  Love to all. xo

comfort in a crock

BEEF STEW!

If you wish to be comforted on a day like today, damp and dreary, just make a crock of hearty beef stew.  This will cheer you up.  :)

3 lbs. beef stew meat

4 lbs. potatoes

1 turnip

1 bag carrots

1 bag of mixed veggies

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 cup water

1 pkg. stew mix

1 pkg. chili mix

sea salt and pepper to taste

Cut stew meat, potatoes and turnip (after peeling, of course) into 1 inch cubes.  Brown in oil, meat first, then add potatoes and turnip.  Do not drain.  When slightly softened, add carrots for a few minutes.  Pour mixture into crock pot and add stew and chili mix with one or two cups water (enough to cover food.) Stir well. Add package of assorted veggies and simmer in crock on low until ready, at least a couple of hours, so all the flavors blend.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Soon the aromas will fill the air.  Feel better?

Perhaps this will do the trick.  They call it hearty stew because it is always filled with love from the heart.  Enjoy! xo

dunkin' donuts could also do the trick

the joys of my day

My boys.  Who could ask for anything more?  The best gift a woman could ever want is to be with her family.

Mike and Margarita brought this gorgeous orchid to grace our home.  They know how much I love them and Steve and I spent quite some time rearranging the dormant orchids and nudging them to rebloom.  I acquired the angel statue at St. Therese's gift shop when I began my business for I felt it depicted our Mother Mary, my favorite goddess.

Wayne-O made these pub burgers.  This is the first time in two months that I ate any meat and it hit the spot.

My doggies needed a good brushing and the sun was shining so brightly I just had to accommodate them.  They were almost purring. 

I hope your day was filled with as much joy as mine.

I am truly blessed. xo

happy mother's day

Today we honor our mothers.  Some of us will travel to a couple homes to visit their moms and grandmoms and if you're lucky, your great-grandmom.  Some will visit their moms at a nursing home and some at a cemetary. Regardless where your travels take you, this is the day set aside to let a most important woman in your life know how special they are.  Sometimes we take for granted how integral our mothers are, or have been, in the way we make decisions, look, and basically, how we live our lives. Oftentimes when we cannot figure out what to do, it is always the mother who is the one we ask for guidance and most often, consolation.  Mothers are the tapestry of all families.  Mothers are the heart and soul.

Scientific studies have determined that when babies are born, it is the nurturing touch that determines a healthy, stable and loving child.  Mothers naturally assume this huge responsibility without a second thought.  Our babies become the most important passion in our lives.  The bonding experience has no equal on earth, whether it be human or animals.  It begins in the womb and continues until we depart this life.  The attachments can run deep and if we are smart, we continue the journey for generations, leaving a little bit of ourselves for the next.  No one is perfect and we all make mistakes, but if we have a foundation of pure and unadulterated love and compassion, our choices will never be wrong. 

For many years I was one of the lucky gals that got to enjoy two great-grandmoms, three grandmoms, a grandmom-in-law, a mom-in-law and my own mom.  I never took their love for granted and made time to be with them whenever possible.  I felt their unconditional love and basked in their stories which gave me the strength and courage to live my own life as a mother to my three sons.  Now I am the matriarch of my family.  A couple of years ago, my mom and my mom-in-law left our world to be in a better place, within a few months of each other, so today I will just enjoy my time with Wayne, Mike, Dan and Steve.  Ah, but wait...boys will bring the girls home.  Someday, perhaps in the very near future, I will become a mom-in-law, and cherish the times I can share with the daughters I never had in the past.  I so love being a mom to three boys and never felt not having a daughter made a difference, but I will embrace the gift of having them in my life. The very last conversation I shared with my own mom a few years ago was about how hard we both had it from the mothers of our husbands and how we sustained those hardships because of our love for their sons.  We conversed about how I will be like my mom, who was the best mother-in-law, for neither of us want anyone else to feel the pain that we did.  Sometimes dominant women can be hurtful, perhaps not even intentionally, but this was an experience we had in common.  She was pleased that I had this insight.  It was one of many profound bonding times I cherished with my mom, and sadly, it was my last, for the next week she was gone.  We had our differences at times, as all mothers and daughters do, but we always found a way to resolve our issues.  That is the secret. I remember how tightly we hugged whenever we met, as if we could not let go.  So often I still feel her energies and I know she knows all the truths now that I shielded from her and our bond is even deeper in her passing.  That's how strong a mother's love is, even after death.  My mother-in-law and I evenually became buddies and this was a beautiful gift to both of us.  I always gave her my best and she finally accepted me.

Today I offer my extreme gratitude to all the mother figures in my life.  They have all been instrumental in molding me into the woman I am today.  I am proud to be a part of them and pray I make them proud and be the best mom I can.  When the time is right, I look forward to being a grandmom myself.  Until then, I will let my boys honor me by giving me their hugs.  That is all I ever want, and will ever need.  God bless all moms today.  Hugs and kisses to you all.  And a special hug to my sweet Aunt Diane.  xo

date night

Last night we went to see Iron Man 2 at our favorite hangout - Gold Class Cinema in Bolingbrook.  Our son is bartender and his buddy, Cody, just got hired on, so we have an excuse to see them.  Prior to seeing the movie, we sampled the new concoctions being offered in honor of the newest release.  They were sooo tasty.  That cute little glass is supposed to be a shot, but I had to sip it. 

We liked the sequel, despite the mixed reviews.  Robert Downey, Jr. and Mickey Rourke did not disappoint.  Gwyneth and Scarlet were nice eye candy and Don Cheadle added his talents.  The action parts were very impressive.  Typically, we like to go back to the bar after the show and have a coffee.  Dan makes the best coffee - ever.  To our delight, Jim and Ashley were there so we chatted for a bit, then Mike texted us that he was downstairs at Bar Louie with Norman, so we told them to come on up and join the party.  Fun times.  It's nice to get out once in a while and meet up with friends, or in this case, our kid's friends.  If you plan to see the movie, stay until after the credits roll for you will get a sneak peak at what's to come.

Today we are going to Brighton Park, again, to make the rounds and visit my dad, John (his birthday was yesterday) and Carrie, Wally, Bob, and to show Wayne my labor of love.  Lots of touring, but it's too cold to do anything outdoors.  I have to cover all my plants tonight for fear of frost. 

Be happy. xo

crops and gardens

A spell for fertility of crops and general success in gardening.

This morning is cold and gloomy and Mother Nature has blessed us with a good, hearty rain for our spring gardens.  It may not be pretty outside, but this is required for gardens. Nature always has her say and my prayer is for a healthy balance as far as the weather is concerned.  I pray for the unfortunate victims of the overwhelming rains in Tennessee.  If you have fallen prey to any sort of flooding, you know how devastating this can be.  Everything gets ruined.  Gentle rains are always welcome and once in a while we need torrential downpours to give the grass and gardens a good soaking. 

botanical garden in nashville

When using accessories for this spell, be sure to surround your layout with fresh flowers, as well as samples of the varieties of fruits and vegetables which you raise or plan to raise.  A picture of your garden or the piece of property you plan to garden on will also be a helpful prop.  Other accessories include green candles, green crystals and gemstones and a green cloth.

Visualize the sun shining on your own garden, sending its nourishing rays.  Visualize your young and tender crops pushing up through the Earth to greet the sun.  Visualize the fertility in the form of rain, weather, fertile soil.  Visualize yourself working hard in your garden, enjoying the feel of the sun and the feel of the soil as you do so.  Imagine the anticipation that you will feel as you watch your crops ripening to maturity.  Visualize what your garden will look like in full blooom, cultivated and with everything lushly growing.  Picture yourself reaping your harvest, and feasting and celebrating afterward.  Think of the sense of satisfaction that you will feel, knowing that your garden will bring security and plenty.

After meditating on these images for a while, pick up and handle the seeds or plant samples, envisioning power flowing into them as you stroke them.  After you have finished meditating and visualizing, carefully, and with as much feeling as you can, recite the following affirmation while placing your hand just above the area and make a circle over them in a clockwise motion.

I call upon the powers

of the Sun, the Earth,

the rain, and the soil!

My crops grow high!

The land prospers,

and all thereon grows strong,

and full, and rich!

This I do ask!

For my land and all upon it,

So be it!

You may consider the spell closed at this point.  I talk to my flowers, plants, trees and herbs and while I never get a response, I just know they are listening. 

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. Anais Nin

Blossom where you're planted. Mary Engelbreit

What you do matters.  All you need is to do it. Judy Grahn

Happy gardening. xo

garden at sawyer

This garden project is complete.  The rose bush has been around for over 50 years but everything else is brand new.  I brought over some tiger lilies, irises, hostas and lavender from my place and bought colorful perennials to fill in this area.  Easy maintenance, once it all takes root.  The mulch seals the weeding.

This grass was loaded with dandelions over the weekend, and new sod has been installed thanks to my boys.  I tried to get it watered everyday and hopefully tonight's rains will secure the new green stuff.  It was fun using the old-fashioned sprinkler.  I really find the soft, slow sprinklings quite soothing.

This statue of Mary watches over the home.  We spent too many hours renovating and have much more to do but it is such a nice home and Wayne's family made so many memories here.  The neighbor next door invested close to $90,000 to make his place rentable and I was able to get a tour of the new digs.  What a difference.  It gives us hope that the neighborhood could make a come back.  We'll see in a few years.

Now I look forward to hanging around my own home for awhile.  Whew! That was definitely a labor of love. xo

cinco de mayo

Happy Cinco de mayo, the fifth of May! This is a celebration by the Hispanics and an excuse to down lots of tequila for some.  Not me.  Today I continued my planting extravaganza at home and tomorrow go back to Brighton Park to finish that garden.  It's a good thing I love this stuff.  I'm exhausted.  I should buy stock in Home Depot.  I have been polishing up on my Spanish as this is the language they speak in the Dominican Republic.  I took three years to learn it, I may as well use it.  I tell my dogs they are mi perro bonita, muy bien, my pretty dog, very good. I answer the phone hola, hello, when the boys call.  See what happens when you retire... This is a charcoal that Steve did in art class.  He brought it home today, so it is my photo for the day.

Today I made meatball sandwiches for the boys.  Once I brought one for Steve Dahl and he exclaimed it was the "best damn meatball sandwich he ever had."  He may have used a more colorful adjective, but you get the idea.  Here's the recipe:  easy peasy...

3 lbs. ground sirloin

2 eggs

bread crumbs

1 pkg. chili mix

salt and pepper

2 jars spaghetti sauce

gonnella bread

provolone cheese

Combine the meat, eggs, chili mix, salt and pepper to taste and try to use fresh bread crumbs leftover bread, ends, anything they won't use for a sandwich.  Roll into little meat balls (albondigas) and saute in olive oil until browned.  Dump your spaghetti sauce in the crock pot and put on low.  When the meat is ready, add to the sauce and cook a little bit.  Scoop the balls with a little sauce onto the bread, apply the cheese and broil for a moment.  I add a little giardeniara. 

Voila! xo