What to Do When Concrete Falls Off Your House in Dallas/Fort Worth (North Texas) + My Experience with Great American Stone Sealers in Southlake, TX

In today’s post, I’m going to share a wild experience I recently had— chunks of concrete literally fell off my house! At first, I was completely confused. Why would this happen? Was my house crumbling? Was it some kind of freak accident? Or maybe a crazy squirrel with a vendetta? Could a neighborhood kid have mistaken my wall for a piñata? I had no idea why this happened but the damage was dramatic and I needed to find a solution quickly! I gathered a few quotes and decided to go with Great American Stone Sealers for a couple of reasons: (1) they have a coveted 5-star rating on Google (over 100 reviews!) and an A+ BBB rating and (2) when they visited for a quote, they found the root cause of the problem and explained to me that they would do a thorough repair with rebar instead of just slapping concrete over the damage since a quick fix will likely break off again.  Let me share my experience and what I learned along the way!  (Spoiler alert: The overachieving team at Great American Stone Sealers knows their stuff and quickly and thoroughly solved my problems!)

As I mentioned earlier, this problem with concrete falling off of my house is called concrete popping, and in my case, it was caused by something as simple as my sprinklers! Imagine walking outside of your house and seeing concrete from your house had randomly fallen off in large chunks!

The Mystery: Why Was My Concrete Falling Off?

It turns out that one reason concrete popping happens when water repeatedly hits a particular spot, seeps in, and expands due to temperature changes. Over time, this weakens the concrete, causing it to crack and break off. In my situation, the positioning of my sprinklers was the hidden culprit, directing too much moisture to one area and leading to damage. I actually wouldn't have known this if it weren't for the guys at Great American Stone Sealers pointing out the problem.

Here are some tips of what I learned along the way:

1. Get Quotes: Why It Pays to Do Your Research

I always make it a rule to get three quotes when I need work done on my home, and let me tell you—it paid off big time this time around! The prices and solution varied. One of the quote was more expensive to slather extra concrete over the damage without any rebar. But that’s just a temporary fix—it wouldn’t address the real cause, meaning the problem would just keep happening! Plus, the quality wouldn’t last, and I’d likely be dealing with the same issue again in the near future. 

2. Find out what you really need

When I found Great American Stone Sealers, they truly stood out! They took the time to visit and explain why my concrete was popping and, more importantly, how to fix it the right way so I wouldn’t have to deal with this issue again. Instead of just patching things up, they recommended reinforcing the area with rebar for a stronger, long-lasting repair and repositioning the sprinklers to prevent future damage.

And the best part? They came out the very next day to get the job done! Now that’s service! 

3. Look up reviews

When it comes to home repairs, I try to find businesses that are rated highly.  I love Google Business Reviews and found that Great American Stone Sealers has a coveted 5-stars from 100+ customers. I also look up BBB reviews. This company had an A+ rating.  I also recommend searching for reviews on blogs, social media, and from friends.  

Here are a few photos during and after the repair.

The team started by drilling two holes into the concrete with special equipment.

 They cleaned up the area and inserted thick metal rebar and trimmed to perfection.

They then applied their different layers of potions. Well, potions may not be the technical term or even what they called it, but that was my take-away.  There are different layers to this process to do a high quality job!

There was another layer after this.

And another layer! Notice that he got some on the brick. This was a surprise to me. Don't worry, at the end, he used a sponge and wiped it perfectly clean while it was still wet so that the bricks looked absolutely perfect afterward! 

Here's what it looks like when they were done, but before it dried.

This is the result the next day. It turned out great!  Even though I think that it looks fabulous, the guys told me that the color will continue to blend in better over the coming year with the sun and elements.  I'm really happy with the results!

I am glad that Great American Stone Sealers was able to look at this quickly, give their expert advice, and make the repair the very next morning! 

Why I Highly Recommend Great American Stone Sealers

One thing I absolutely love about Great American Stone Sealers is their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence. They didn't just slap a quick fix on problems—they carefully assessed the root cause and provided solutions to last. Their 5-star rating on Google Reviews and A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) are incredibly well-deserved! 

Beyond concrete repairs, they also specialize in natural stone restoration, sealing, and preservation. If you have stone, concrete, or brick surfaces that need protection, their expert team will renew, strengthen, and seal them to enhance durability and beauty for years to come. For instance, the next item on my wishlist is for them to seal my stamped concrete patio.  They already looked at it and not only did they explain the process, but they gave me a quick tutorial on how my patio is actually made of stamped concrete that used silicone molds.  They also noted that the color on my patio held up well, probably because it's relatively while shaded, but that I should seal it to preserve the color and protect from the elements. It's a lot easier to be proactive and protect the patio to extend its lifespan since replacing the patio would be quiet expensive.  Stone and concrete sealing is one of their specialties, whether it's a patio, around a pool, or driveway.  Get the full list here.  

Need Concrete or Stone Work? Here’s Who to Call!

If you’re dealing with concrete damage, want to restore natural stone, or need expert sealing for your surfaces, I highly recommend checking them out. You can learn more about their services and get in touch with Great American Stone Sealers. They offer free quotes.

I’m so grateful that I found a company that values quality, explains things thoroughly, and fixes problems the right way! If you ever notice concrete popping at your home, don’t settle for a quick patch job—go for the best! Also be sure to take good care of the stone and concrete around your home because preventative measures are often cheaper than letting things go and having expensive damage later. 

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(Win it!) Don't Miss "The Last Supper" – A Powerful Cinematic Journey! #TheLastSupperMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Many thanks to Pinnacle Peak Pictures for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

In today's post, I am excited to tell you about a great movie release - The Last Supper, a breathtaking new film that brings to life one of the most powerful and emotional moments in history—the final meal Jesus shared with His disciples before making the ultimate sacrifice. This highly anticipated movie will be in theaters starting March 14, and trust me, this is one you won’t want to miss!

Here's the quick summary of the what, where, and when:

• What: The Last Supper movie
• Where: In theaters nationwide (get your tickets here)
• When: Starting on March 14, 2025

Here is the quick synopis: "A powerful cinematic Biblical journey that brings to life the ultimate act of love and sacrifice as seen through the eyes of those who walked alongside Jesus."

Here is the trailer:

As a mom, I am always looking for meaningful experiences to share with my children, especially those that reinforce important values like faith, love, and sacrifice. In today's world, where entertainment is often focused on action-packed blockbusters or superficial stories, it's refreshing to have a film that deeply resonates with faith and family. The Last Supper is not just a movie—it’s an immersive journey that allows us to step into the shoes of those who walked alongside Jesus and experience the emotion, tension, and profound love of that night in a way we've never seen before.

A Movie That Will Leave a Lasting Impact

The Last Supper is visually stunning, with cinematic storytelling that draws you in and makes you feel like you’re right there at the table with Jesus and His disciples. It’s an opportunity to witness the humanity of those who followed Him, the fear, the hope, and the unwavering love that defined this moment in history.



One of the things I love most about faith-based films like this is their ability to spark important conversations. Whether you’ve read about the Last Supper in scripture countless times or are just beginning your faith journey, this movie has the power to deepen your understanding and bring the story to life in a way that is both educational and deeply moving. I know that after watching it, my children and I will have so much to discuss—about Jesus’ sacrifice, about His disciples’ faith, and about how His love continues to impact us today.

I encourage you to buy your tickets today and make this a special family or church outing. Watching this movie in theaters allows us to fully immerse ourselves in the story and experience it on the big screen, the way it was meant to be seen. Faith-based films often rely on strong opening weekends to reach more people, so let’s show our support and help spread the word!

I hope you’ll join me in supporting this incredible movie—because some stories deserve to be seen, felt, and remembered.

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(Win it!) Get Moving as a Family: Stay Active with Nintendo Switch Sports & Just Dance + Enter for a Chance to Win a Digital Download Code for Just Dance!

As a mom, I absolutely LOVE finding exciting ways to keep my family active, and we’re always on the move with sports, our gym membership, geocaching, and, of course, our favorite—Nintendo Switch! As a Boy Mom,  I am surrounded by a lot of energy! Whether we’re playing outside or inside, staying active together is one of the best ways to bond, and the Nintendo Switch makes it so easy and FUN to keep moving, no matter what the weather is like.

In today's post, I want to tell you about Nintendo Switch Sports and Just Dance because these family-friendly games are great for family members to bond and exercise.  My children have a large age gap, and these games bring us all together! I'll share a glimpse into how these games fit into our active lives and host a giveaway for one lucky winner to receive a Nintendo Switch Just Dance digital download code!

Over the past year, my family has gone through major changes. While my children have been relatively healthy, I’m especially proud of my oldest son—he lost significant weight in a healthy way once a major source of stress was removed from his life. He took my advice by joining a sport, spending more time with friends, and weightlifting. He also became more mindful of his diet, making sure to get nutritious meals that support his athletic goals—all just in time for high school! He has since gained a healthier weight and strength. It’s fun to have a mini-me who enjoys working out at the gym.

My youngest son is several years younger. He loves to dance, sing, play basketball, and go on walks. Despite our different ages and abilities, we always find common ground with Nintendo Switch Sports and Just Dance! These family-friendly games bring us together, helping us stay active, burn calories, and share plenty of laughs.

I’ve always tried to raise my children with healthy habits, though there’s always room for improvement. More than anything, I want to ensure they grow up strong, happy, and healthy—living long, fulfilling lives. And if we can have fun doing it with Nintendo Switch Sports and Just Dance, even better!

Nintendo Switch Sports: Family Fun, Friendly Competition, and Endless Laughter! 

One of our absolute FAVORITES is Nintendo Switch Sports! This game brings back the nostalgia of classic motion-controlled sports games but with exciting updates and a fresh, vibrant look. 

We love playing soccer, volleyball, badminton, bowling, tennis, and chambara (swordplay), all using real-life movements to control our characters. It’s an absolute BLAST challenging each other, and it’s a fantastic way to stay active indoors. Plus, it’s HILARIOUS watching each other’s wild swings and over-the-top moves—sometimes I feel like I’m getting a better workout from laughing so much! There’s nothing better than a little friendly competition that ends in smiles and high-fives!

Just Dance: The Ultimate Dance Party Workout! Another family favorite that we just can’t get enough of is Just Dance! This game transforms our living room into the ULTIMATE dance party, and we LOVE it! With an amazing selection of hit songs, there’s something for everyone to groove to. Whether we’re busting out moves to chart-topping hits or throwing it back with some classics, we always end up giggling, singing along, and working up a sweat.

Dance party nights have NEVER been more fun! We love how Just Dance brings out our silly side, gets us moving, and turns every night into a celebration! The best part? We don’t even realize we’re getting a workout because we’re having so much FUN. It’s the perfect way to get in some cardio, improve coordination, and just let loose as a family. Even on the busiest days, a few rounds of Just Dance bring so much energy and joy into our home! Seriously, look at the energy below!

Why Nintendo Switch is the Perfect Family Fitness Companion! If you’re looking for ways to keep your family active while having an absolute BLAST, I HIGHLY recommend adding Nintendo Switch Sports and Just Dance to your game collection. These games are perfect for all ages and bring the whole family together in the best way possible! Whether it’s too hot, too cold, or too rainy outside, these games ensure that fun, fitness, and laughter are ALWAYS within reach.

So, grab those Joy-Cons, get moving, and let the games begin! Your family will LOVE the friendly competition, the silly dance-offs, and, most of all, the amazing quality time spent together. Happy gaming, happy moving, and happiest memories to you and your family!

Win it!

Thanks to Nintendo for giving us a digital download code for Nintendo Switch Just Dance!  One lucky reader will receive this code for the digital download! Enter using the Rafflecopter below.  The prize will be emailed to the email address that the winner provides in the Rafflecopter.

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Lately, Texas weather has been WILD! It feels like we’re experiencing all four seasons in a single day—frost in the morning, sunny and warm in the afternoon, and then maybe even a rainstorm in the evening. But no worries! When the weather doesn’t cooperate for outdoor fun, turn to Nintendo Switch for a family-friendly workout that keeps us moving, laughing, and making the BEST memories together!

Visit the Nintendo Switch website and also browse and/or purchase Nintendo Switch Sports and Just Dance!

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Tips for Visiting the New PEPPA PIG Theme Park in Dallas/Fort Worth!

Peppa Pig fans, get ready for unforgettable happy childhood memories! We were thrilled to attend a special media event for a sneak peek into the brand-new PEPPA PIG Theme Park in North Richland Hills, TX, and now we're sharing our best tips for making the most of your visit!

Let's start with the location of the PEPPA PIG Theme Park in DFW, TX:

• Location: 8851 Boulevard 26, North Richland Hills, TX 76180

My son has been a huge Peppa Pig fan since he was a toddler, and he was over the moon about this new park! From thrilling rides to splash-tastic fun, playful games, and even dining at Mrs. Rabbit’s Diner, the entire experience was pure magic! Here’s everything you need to know before you go!

Tip #1: Get Your Tickets in Advance

PEPPA PIG Theme Park offers single-day tickets, annual passes, and special deals—so be sure to check the official website before your visit! Booking ahead will save you time and ensure a smooth entry into Peppa’s world.

Tip #2: Must-Visit Attractions for Peppa Fans

This park is designed for young children, with adorable rides, interactive experiences, and plenty of space for free-range fun! Here are some top attractions you won’t want to miss:

• Grandpa Pig’s Boat Ride – A relaxing, slow-paced boat ride through gentle waters with fun surprises along the way. My son absolutely loved this one!
• Daddy Pig’s Roller Coaster – A beginner-friendly coaster with just the right amount of twists and turns for little thrill-seekers. My son's favorite!
• Peppa’s Balloon Ride – Soar high above the park in colorful balloons for a magical bird’s-eye view of Peppa’s world.
• Carnival Games at the Fun Fair – Classic fair-style games where kids can win prizes and have a blast. My son couldn’t get enough of these!
• Grampy Rabbit’s Dinosaur Adventure – Ride a dino through an adventurous prehistoric setting—perfect for little explorers!
• Muddy Puddles Splash Pad – Bring swimsuits and towels for this fun water play area, inspired by Peppa’s favorite activity!

The carnival games are included with your admission! There are no extra charges to play the games.

Tip #3: Plan for a Peppa-Themed Meal at Mrs. Rabbit’s Diner

All that fun will definitely work up an appetite! Mrs. Rabbit’s Diner serves adorable and delicious Peppa-themed meals, perfect for little ones.

Don’t miss the Muddy Puddle Milkshake—it was my son’s absolute favorite treat and the perfect sweet ending to our trip!

Tip #4: Take a Break in the Play Areas

If you need a break between rides, check out these fun interactive spots:

Peppa’s Treehouse & George’s Fort – Climb, explore, and let kids create their own Peppa adventures.

Peppa’s Musical Garden – A hands-on space where kids can step on musical notes and create their own tunes.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a Peppa-loving parent or a kiddo ready for a day of fun, this park is the perfect place to create oink-tastic family memories!

So grab your wellies, get your camera ready, and prepare to jump in muddy puddles—Peppa Pig and her friends are waiting for you at PEPPA PIG Theme Park Dallas/Fort Worth!

Want to learn more? Check out the official website: PEPPA PIG Theme Park - Dallas/Fort Worth.

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The Best Nerf Easter Egg Hunt Ideas

As a Boy Mom, I know the importance of Nerf toys for happy childhood memories.  It's amazing how these toys have entertained children for decades and are always popular.  My children are obsessed, so I worked new Nerf Guns and darts into our Easter Egg Hunt this year.  I really like this idea because it focuses on physical activity instead of binging on candy. Let me share the basic ideas and then some photos.

These are the basics:

• Nerf Easter Egg Target Shooting: Place the plastic eggs on golf tees for them to use as target practice.
• Nerf Easter Eggs with Darts: Fill plastic eggs with extra Nerf darts so that they are able to race to stock up on darts before their game.

Personally, I filled oversized plastic eggs with Nerf darts.  This is a fun alternative to filling eggs with candy.

I then placed the plastic eggs on golf tees in our yard for Easter morning.  Here are some of the supplies:

While you could technically just set the eggs in the grass, you'll notice that the golf tees are nice because they allow the eggs to sit higher for target practice.

Here are a few of our eggs that are filled with Nerf darts for Easter morning!  

Finally, I set out their Easter baskets, each with a Nerf gun and goggles.

The Nerf Easter Egg Hunt is perfect for my children to enjoy playing together and exercising on Easter morning instead of binging on candy.  I think that this Nerf Easter Egg Hunt will always be one of their favorite childhood memories. It's a win on multiple levels!

If you want to order Nerf supplies, Amazon has a great selection. Here is my Amazon Affiliates link: 

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How to Make an Easter Egg Tree

One of our family traditions is to make an Easter Egg Tree. We hang plastic eggs filled with jelly beans on trees in our yard such as the one shown below. In this post, we'll teach you how to make your own Easter Egg Tree.

Craft: Easter Egg Tree

Supplies:

•  Plastic Eggs (We recommend at least two dozen.)
• Thin string (Any type is fine, but keep in mind that it is easier to shut the eggs with thinner string.)
• Scissors 
• Optional: Candy to fill the eggs

Directions:

1. Cut string to desired length between 6 and 12". Tie a knot on the end.

2. Insert the knotted string and optionally fill with your favorite candy.

3. Close the egg. You'll notice that the knot helps to prevent the string from slipping out of the egg.

4. Hang the colorful eggs on your trendy Easter Egg Tree!

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Keeping North Texas Homes Safe and Clean: My Experience with Elite Clean & Restoration

Living in North Texas brings more than just sunshine—our humid seasons lead to dust, bacteria, and allergens piling up in our homes. This is why I knew it was time to clean my ducts and dryer vents and called Elite Clean & Restoration, a local team known for top-notch HVAC services. With 1,000+ Google reviews and a highly coveted 4.8-star rating, Elite Clean & Restoration is a trusted place in the DFW community. Their customer-centric approach, led by owner Tony, makes every step of the process easy and pleasant as he vies for customers for life who want to leave those 5-star ratings because they are so thrilled with their experiences.

If you’re lucky enough to meet John or the team of Dylan and Ishmael (who I call the Dream Team) from Elite Clean & Restoration, you’ll immediately see their passion for HVAC work. Inspired by meeting John—one of the top HVAC pros in the metro—and hearing his enthusiasm as he explained not only what we needed but also why and how they do things, my son, who's studying business, was so inspired that he could potentially learn to be among the best in the HVAC world as a career too. It’s a testament to Elite Clean & Restoration’s focus on quality, efficiency, and creating a positive customer experience. 

1. Allergies Got You Down? Start with Your Ducts! If you’re from North Texas, you know the allergy struggle is real. Between dust, pet dander, and who-knows-what in the air, I thought a duct cleaning might help with my own cat allergies, especially since the previous owners of my home had a cat. The whole house had been cleaned, but the ducts? Not so much. As it turned out, this was long overdue, and I only wish I’d done it sooner. Dylan and Ishmael let me know that a lot of homes they see have built-up allergens. They even found one of my vents with a small spot of bacteria near the kitchen, which was likely from steam buildup. They quickly treated it, and my youngest son came home and said that the house “smells clean,” and he didn’t even know about the duct and vent cleaning when he arrived!

2. Humidity + Ducts = Potential Bacteria Growth Dylan explained that in 20-25% of homes, they actually find bacterial growth in the ducts. This often happens because high humidity can encourage bacteria to develop, and Texans know our humid months too well. My vents were in decent shape, but if you’re experiencing musty smells or live in an older home, having the ducts inspected and cleaned can be a game changer, especially if there is bacteria under your vent cover and in your vent. You really need to have that treated and get to the root cause if it's a problem. 

3. Dryer Vents – A Critical Cleaning for Safety Here’s a little-known but serious fact: According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, dryer vents cause over 15,000 house fires each year. Given how much laundry I do for my boys, I knew it was time to have Elite Clean & Restoration tackle this. My dryer vent is two stories, which is no DIY task—in Texas, dryer vents can legally be up to 30 feet long, and mine was packed with lint. Ishmael worked his magic to knock it all out, and Dylan even climbed up to the roof to make sure every bit of lint was gone.

Tips for Knowing When to Clean Your Dryer Vent and Air Ducts:

• Your Clothes Take Longer to Dry: If your clothes aren’t drying as fast, it could be due to a lint buildup blocking airflow.
• Hot Dryer Exterior: If the outside of your dryer is hot to the touch, it’s a sign of blockage.
• Debris at the Vent Hookup: Check around where your dryer vent attaches—if you see a lot of lint buildup, it’s time for a cleaning.
• Check the Vent Cap While the Dryer is Running: Make sure air is coming out, and the flap is moving freely. If it isn’t, you might have a clog.
• Allergy Troubles: Dust, pet dander, and other allergens can accumulate in your ducts, so consider duct cleaning to help with allergies.

In my personal experience, I am grateful to the team at Elite Clean & Restoration. Let me share a few highlights.

Let's start with the dryer vent. They cleaned the inside and then put everything back together. After this, they literally pulled handfuls of hard and wet lint out of the dryer vent cap!

The photo below shows the lint that Ishmael pulled out of my dryer vent from the inside! Isn't this shocking?!

Here is Dylan scaling the roof.  He didn't even need to use a drill with the extensions on the outside. He could see that the blockade was just at the dryer vent cap. He used a brush and his hands to pull out chunks of debris.  Notice how steep the roof is -- I couldn't believe that he was able to do this! 

Prior to my appointment, I worried that the vents in my living room would be too high for them to reach. Ishmael reached and cleaned them without any problems!  I'm not sure whether most companies would be able to handle such high ceilings.

This is bacteria growth. If you notice this at your home, quickly call Elite Clean & Restoration for advice and a quote.

Here is a photo of him cleaning the vent in the kitchen. I was relieved that my situation wasn't too bad and that they were able to get everything. They assured me that everything is perfectly fine now!

If you’re considering a duct or dryer vent cleaning, I can’t recommend Elite Clean & Restoration enough. They also provide an extensive list of HVAC services, from installation to repair. They will even help you find solutions to optimize your system if you have a room that isn't as cool as the others or other HVAC issues. Their commitment to quality and customer care shines through at every step! Don’t wait until you smell something funky or your dryer is running hot—give your HVAC and air systems a little love, and enjoy cleaner, safer air in your Texas home!

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