MBP: What have you loved most about watching each of your girls grow into their own person?
Anitra Belle: My goal in raising my girls is for them to become good people—centered and solid in their thoughts and actions—while using their voice to leave this world better than they found it. My husband and I made choices for them until they began making good choices for themselves.
MBP: What has this season of watching your daughters step into adulthood taught you about letting go, holding on, and being their mom?
Anitra Belle: I have always felt that they were each God’s gift I am blessed to steward. As littles, I held their hands as tightly as I could. Now with every milestone, I am loosening my grip. I have learned how to parent, and now I am learning how to be a mother-in-love. It’s a beautiful dance to see how they love, how they are loved, and how much they mirror the little things that were never said but done.
MBP: With one daughter still in high school and two beginning this exciting next chapter, how does your family make the most of your time together?
Anitra Belle: A lot has changed, but the most important things have not. We show up for each other! Plus, we are big daily phone yappers and texters. I send my family a daily devotional every morning at 6 am to help begin their day.
This new season is also beginning new traditions. With one in Birmingham and all of them having busy lives, we calendar everything far in advance. Sunday dinner takes on a whole new meaning to me. Having my girls (and now my sons) around the table means the world to me.
MBP: You describe entertaining as your “love language.” What is it about bringing people together that brings you so much joy?
Anitra Belle: I am a convener. Whether it is my work, friends, or family, connection matters. I know my purpose here is to remove barriers so people can see the goodness of God. If I can bring joy to a group of people for at least a couple of hours with good food, laughter, and spontaneous dancing, I will always be ready to do just that.
MBP: What are some of your favorite traditions or little touches that make gathering together feel special?
Anitra Belle: It’s the people. We celebrate everything (new jobs, graduations, passing a hard exam). My grandmother started a tradition years ago that on your birthday you would receive a “surprise birthday party at 5 pm” separate from your regular birthday party. She passed away many years ago, and we still give everyone that surprise party!
We are a Mardi Gras family. Everyone comes home, and we enjoy balls, brunches, luncheons, and all the social events. It is like our own annual family reunion.
MBP: What have your daughters taught you about being a mom that you never could have learned any other way?
Anitra Belle: To be present. I am a planner. Everything is planned and has a checklist. I have always moved from one thing to the next. Not with my girls. I love to watch them learn and explore at museums, connect and laugh while eating a meal, be in the moment, and cry and pray on tough days. When we are in the car, we sing along to the songs-loud and off-key. Those moments mean more than a well-planned day.
MBP: What are some of the simple pleasures that help you slow down and enjoy life?
Anitra Belle: I have always loved magazines and reading the Sunday paper. Labor Day weekend is one signature time when you will find me on a sofa with all of the September issues, watching the US Open, college football, and runway shows from New York Fashion Week.
On a regular day, every morning starts early and slowly. I open the blinds, light my candle, read a scripture, and send my devotional to my family.
This summer, I was very intentional about learning to “piddle.” With my girls growing and beginning their lives, it’s time for me to transition more into this new phase of discovering Anitra. So far, I am loving the show Homeworthy, piddling for things in my home, and falling back in love with tennis.
Rapid Fire
Porch party or dinner party? Dinner Party
Favorite cocktail? French 75
Favorite stores to “piddle” in? Williams-Sonoma and Home Goods
Your must-have entertaining item? Napkins
One word your daughters would use to describe you? A Good Time-All the Time!
Anitra Belle Henderson is the proud wife of Demetrius and the grateful mom of three daughters who bring so much joy to their lives—Kierstyn (30), Raven, and Rian (17). With two daughters beginning families of their own and one still at home, there’s always something to celebrate—and right now, that includes planning a wedding and, of course, cheering on Alabama football together on Saturdays.Anitra has a heart for serving her community and stays actively involved through various leadership roles, boards, and committees. When the weekend comes, she treasures slowing down and enjoying time with her family, especially since Demetrius travels for work during the week.
