Craig/ Chambers October weekend with the grandkids

We had a wonderful weekend at the Diamond Cross over Halloween weekend.  A cool, fall visit with mom, dad, Charlie and Debbie Chambers, Martha, me, Rick and Stirling and Marion.  What a treat for us to be out there with the girls and both sets of their grandparents! Marion's first trip at 5 weeks old and it was, luckily, pretty seamless.

Stirling was the hit of the weekend - and I can confidently say she had the best time of her life.  "Cows", "babies", "boppa" were the words of the weekend - so much so I think Charlie started to dodge the lil fireball after a while.  Stirling had a blast.  Shreaking, screaming, learning new words, playing with her kitchen out in the yard, smelling the lavender, and of course, looking at the cows.

We were successful in helping my mom cut the lavender back for winter and we are very much looking forward to the next visit already!  Here are a ton more pics

An update...two years late...but BIG NEWS!

Labor Day 2009
Sadly, some people in our family did not even know this blog existed...my fault...but here we are, back in action and with much to report! 

I missed Labor Day 2008 at the Diamond Cross in preparation for my wedding in Santa Fe that October.  It's been a really busy two years with Stirling's wedding in San Miguel de Allende in August 2008, my wedding two months later and the birth of our first daughter, Stirling, in April 2009.

We made the annual trip back out to Nutt this past year for Labor Day 2009 which was an entirely different experience with the babe in tow! Here are some great pics from Alex from the same trip.

In the two years since we last posted there have been two huge developments at the Diamond Cross.
First is the development of Myra's Lavender Field which we are all thrilled about and second is the Conservation Easement of the Diamond Cross by the New Mexico Land Conservancy.

Cut lavender - second harvest
Myra's Lavender Field has been in the works for sometime and we have loved watching the development as a family project led by my mom.  In honor of her sister, Myra Hammond, my mom has researched, procured and developed the first (and now second) crop of lavender in about a quarter acre plot within the ranch compound.  This is not only a wonderful tribute to Myra and her legacy for us all, but such a beautiful addition to the ranch.  The recent beautiful photos capture much of the beauty but I'm so bummed I had to miss this recent harvest just a month ago where Stirling, Charlie, Alex, my mom and dad were all out there together cutting, bundling and enjoying the lavender in full bloom!  We are looking forward to the first round of products (think soaps, lotions, sachets) from a family owned and operated business in Nutt, NM!  Way to go mom - we all love this project and are so proud of you! 

My dad has been quite busy with his project in working with the New Mexico Land Conservancy to protect and preserve high conservation value land throughout the state including the Diamond Cross.   Such a cool organization and an amazing approach to stewardship in how my parents are considering this slice of God's creation.  You can read all about the development of the recent projects and the 2009 annual report (not posted on their site just yet) provides a stellar profile of the Diamond Cross as one of the recently completed projects.  VERY cool, dad!!

Much more to come as a HUGE crew is heading out for Labor Day 2010. I'll be sitting at home sulking, sweating it out as we wait for babe dos to arrive a week or so after.

Welcome back, or welcome - we hope you enjoy our blog! Make sure to bookmark our new url: TheDiamondCrossRanch.com

Labor Day 2007!


An amazing weekend! Great fun and a great crew in attendance: Dr. Stirpoof and David, Charlie and Alex, KPC and the Ricker plus mom and dad, uncle Charlie, uncle #2 Johnny...and Vicky and Zach made the trip from New Hampshire!






From great evening dove hunts (great as in peaceful - less successfull) to hiking Nutt Mountain, and the last-ever Hillsboro Apple Festival. Prizes won and claimed at the ever famous Hatch Chili Festival. And perhaps a special highlight for the Bar Middle of Nowhere (that's really the name) and their Labor Day Saturday night dance where we were courted by cowboys (the real kind).


Wonderful time, wonderful memories and wonderful setting. What a special place! See all the pics from the link on the right.



Johnny Armstrong is a frequent visitor to Diamond Cross and is a gifted writer. Here is a great story from his first visit to New Mexico and a great version of Labor Day 2006


Map of New Mexico with Ranch



Directions from El Paso to Diamond Cross Ranch

Chili Eating Contest '06

We had a blast at the Hatch Chili Festival over Labor Day Weekend 2006. Brother, Charlie and cousin Avery's husband, Mike entered the Chili Eating Contest. Watch this video and notice Mike (big guy, blue shirt, white hat) and Charlie (skinny guy, to the right of Mike).
Charlie had a major meltdown...

Amazing Desert Skies!