Your trip FROM Houston should put you to Las Cruces in time for bed, then Los Angeles at the end of the second day. Get on I10, and do not get off except to pee and get more gas.

Las Cruces is home to High Desert Brewing Co. (HDBC Intro Page). They make some pretty decent craft beers and the dining is very casual and the food is good. They are not too far from the hotels that line the shoulders of the freeway.