Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - Rock and cement siding?

I have done some small concrete work about 15 years ago as a helper for a tile installation contractor. I am wondering what are the steps to replacing my wood plank siding with smooth rock, about football size perhaps, and concrete. I will need to go around a large living room window. I remember when I worked for the tile contractor we did a rock facade fireplace once. We soaked the rocks and then stacked them in wet mud concrete. I was told the rocks would adhere better if they were soaked for a few hours before we put them in with the mud.