FameCrawler : President of the United States

Date Night For Barack And Michelle Obama

Sassy Smith — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:08:00 GMT

President Obama and First Lady Michelle, after attending daughter Malia's soccer match, decided to enjoy some couple time, since Barack had "promised" his wife that he would take her to a Broadway show after the election. They boarded a C-20 plane and flew to New York, Saturday afternoon, May 30.

From Us:

The Obama's first stop?

New York's West Village neighborhood, where they dined at Bluehill Restaurant.

Fellow diner Eva Fleischer of Manhattan said she "had no idea" the Obamas would be there when she made her 5:30 p.m. reservations.

"They had to pat us down," she told reporters outside the restaurant, which is known for its "locally grown fare."

As the Obamas left, Fleischer recalled, the President said to her table, "'Hi, guys!' It was very exciting because we didn't expect to see him here. It was really neat."

Another diner, Susan Korchak of Manhattan, noted that Michelle "is very tall. She's just statuesque and gorgeous."

Fan went wild as the two exited the restaurant. Blockades were set up to keep the crowds of people at bay on the streets. Several people weren't allowed to cross the street to get back to their apartment, but they were happy to wait it out. Dads had their kids up on their shoulders; others had their cameras out, hoping to catch a picture. There was even a helicopter flying in the sky. Some onlookers remarked that it was like the inauguration all over again.

After dinner, the Obamas then went to the Belasco Theater on West 44th Street, where they caught a performance of Joe Turner's Come and Gone - about a group of African-Americans coming to grips with the legacy of slavery - before flying back to the White House.

The Obamas are certainly involved parents with their girls, but they realize it's important for couples to have quality time together as well!

[Source]

Michelle Obama: White House Living Has Been Good For Malia & Sasha

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Michelle Obama: White House Living Has Been Good For Malia & Sasha

Sassy Smith — Sun, 24 May 2009 16:07:00 GMT

First Lady Michelle Obama says living in the White House has had a surprisingly calming influence on their whole family. Daughters, Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, have enjoyed a thoroughly positive experience thus far.

Mrs. Obama spoke with Time magazine and here is some of the interview via PEOPLE:

When it comes to living in the Executive Mansion, the First Lady tells Time magazine for its latest issue, on sale Friday, "It has been the greatest single benefit of this for us as a family. It means that we see each other every day. And that hasn't happened for most of the kids' lifetime."

As the wife of Illinois's junior senator, Mrs. Obama was once asked if she would consider a move to Washington, D.C. "I was like, no," she remembers. Now, she's enjoying having the man of the house at home.

"It's rare [for most families] to have dad at home for dinner, to see him in the mornings, to have him there when you go to bed at night, just to be able to have the casual conversations that happen about life at dinnertime," says Mrs. Obama. "That's been terrific. It's normal. It's more normal than we've had for a very long time.

Still, it is the White House. On maintaining their perspective and keeping the family intact, Mrs. Obama says, "We stay 100 percent in their world all the time. And I don't know if you understand that, but their lives are very disconnected from this [place]. You can do that with kids when they are young, because they just don't care."

The Chief Executive agrees. "Among the many wonderful things about being President," Barack Obama tells Time, "the best is that I get to live above the office and see Michelle and the kids every day. I see them in the morning. We have dinner every night. It is the thing that sustains me."

He also takes work breaks for what he terms "Michelle time," when retreats from his office to the residence. Every now and then, his wife shows up in the West Wing with family dog Bo or the kids for what the magazine calls "a brief but lively interruption."

"And if the kids really, really need to see him, they can," she says. "They're free to walk in. They're welcome wherever they want to go around here."

[Source|Photo]

President Obama: Dating My Daughters Won't Be Easy

Sasha Obama: Hi Daddy!

Michelle Obama Weighs in On BO

Michelle Obama Hanging on Sesame Street

People's 5 Things You Didn't Know About Michelle Obama

Sassy Smith — Sat, 23 May 2009 14:07:00 GMT

We have seen First Lady Michelle Obama in action: She's a strong, independent woman who can combine work and motherhood, and make it seem so easy, even though it's no simple task. She also has a fun side and has revealed some interesting tidbits about herself!

From PEOPLE:.

Here's some little-known fun facts on our toned-armed ambassador of style.

1. She's the 'Sexiest' First Lady
The mother of two is the first First Lady to be ranked on Maxim's Hot 100 list, besting Melissa Rycroft and Padma Lakshmi, at No. 93! "Our Commander in Chief gets to come home to the hottest First Lady in the history of these United States," the magazine declares.

2. She's a Hugger
The First Lady touches and hugs as many people as she can – especially kids. "I think if I touch them and I hug them, that they'll see that it's real," she explained to Time, "and then they'll relax and breathe and actually kind of enjoy the time and make use of it."

3. She Gave Up Major Dough for the White House
Although she's dubbed herself "Mom-in-Chief," the Harvard-educated lawyer gave up a $212,000 gig to take on the unpaid role of First Lady. "I know women who have given up a lot of themselves," she told Time. "And there were times in my marriage where I put stuff aside. This isn't one of those times."

4. She's Got Skills!
To celebrate spring break, the Obamas gathered with friends and family at Camp David, where they played charades and had a talent showdown. Michelle flaunted her Hula-Hooping skills, juggling not one, but two hoops, while the President sang Stevie Wonder's "You Are the Sunshine of My Life."

5. Her Personal Trainer Relocated to D.C.
Those arms didn't grow overnight! When she moved to the White House, the First Lady made sure she brought her personal trainer of about 10 years along for the ride. The sculptor of those arms relocated from Chicago to Washington, D.C., to assist Michelle with her workout routine.

[Source]

Sasha Obama: Hi Daddy!

Michelle Obama Weighs in On BO

Michelle Obama Hanging on Sesame Street

President Obama: Dating My Daughters Won't Be Easy

Sassy Smith — Tue, 19 May 2009 15:06:00 GMT

President Barack Obama has huge responsibilities with running the country, but no matter what, he's a father first - worried about his little girls, Sasha, 7, and Malia, 10, particularly as they grow up before his eyes.

President Obama told Newsweek:

"Now, I worry about them when they're teenagers where, you know, you're already embarrassed about your parents and even more embarrassed on TV all the time."

Obama says dating won't be easy with his girls because of their situation.

"And dating I think will be an issue because I have men with guns surrounding them at all times," he said, laughing, "which I'm perfectly happy with, but they may feel differently about it."

The President says they're lucky to have such well-adjusted daughters.

"The nice thing is that, partly because of temperament, partly because of Michelle [Obama]'s unbelievable parenting skills, I've just got some happy, normal kids," he said. "And all that stuff that's going on around them, they just kind of miss. We have not seen any effects, any fishbowl effects, yet on them."

He added: "The truth of the matter is that the campaign was the equivalent of me being the frog in the saucepan of water and the temperature slowly being turned up. By the time the inauguration had taken place, we had pretty much gotten accustomed to it."

Obama,despite having a full schedule, makes time for his family. They have dinner together and he tucks the girls in at 8:30 p.m. and they have movie nights.

"It turns out we got this nice theater on the ground floor of my house… So Star Trek, we saw this weekend, which I thought was good," he said, making the Vulcan hand salute. "Everybody was saying I was Spock, so I figured I should check it out."

[Source]

Related Posts:

Sasha Obama: Hi Daddy!

Sassy Smith — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:02:00 GMT

Sasha was very excited to see her dad, President Barack Obama - the adorable 7-year-old first daughter was all smiles!

Couple more pics after the jump

Sasha was on the Truman Balcony of the White House as her father arrived back home from an overnight trip to Arizona and Mexico, on Friday, May 15.

What a cute kid!

[Source]

Michelle Obama Hanging on Sesame Street

Karl Erikson — Wed, 06 May 2009 20:36:00 GMT

The First Lady paid a visit to Sesame Street yesterday and we've got the picture to prove it! Michelle Obama was there to film a public service announcement with Elmo for Sesame Workshop's Healthy Habits for Life initiative. She and the First Muppet spoke about eating right, getting regular exercise, and being a positive role model for kids.

I think the red really makes Michelle pop, what do you think?

Photo: Richard Termine

Malia and Sasha - Breaking Promises Already

trix — Mon, 04 May 2009 11:33:00 GMT

It's nice to know that Sasha and Malia Obama are just like every other kid out there when it comes to promises they make.

It seems the girls are slacking on their daily doggie duties. Michelle says, "Even though the kids are supposed to do a lot of the work, I'm still up at 5:15 a.m. taking my dog out. So for everyone who has a child asking for a puppy – you have to want the dog."

So the first family is just like mine and yours, with us parents left holding the bag and cleaning up after our kids and their most fervent wishes.

Are the Obamas Cheapskates?

Barack Obama's Favorite Book

Source

Michelle Obama's Comic Book Cover (PHOTO)

Sassy Smith — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:07:00 GMT

First Lady Michelle Obama can do it all - career, marriage, motherhood, and now she's going to be featured in a new biographical comic book titled Female Force: Michelle Obama "as she secures her place in American history," according to Bluewaters Productions.

There are no superpowers involved - unless you compare being a busy working mom with a superhero,which a lot of times, that is the case! With all the things women have to balance we certainly do deserve a red cape sometimes!

This comic book is the third in the series - the first two feature Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin, which, both have done well and are in their third print run. Obama's comic is expected to outsell them both.

Darren Davis, Bluewaters president, said, "The reaction has been insane."

Michelle and President Obama's daughters, Malia and Sasha won't appear in the book - after the Ty Inc. controversy with the girls a few months ago, people know they're off-limits.

I do believe the girls will think it's pretty awesome that their mom is featured in a comic book!

The comic will be available on store shelves, Wednesday, April 29, for $3.99.

[Source]

10 Things You May Not Know About The Obama's New Pup (VIDEO)

Michelle Obama Weighs in On BO

trix — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:02:00 GMT

Bo Obama has been in the White House for a week and the verdict is in.

Michelle Obama says the dog is "Crazy."

She said that "Bo" loves to bark and play and also likes to chew on people's feet. She did say, she is spending lots of time walking and training Bo.

I bet the girls just love him, I wonder whose bed he sleeps on or if he's relegated to a dog house.

Source | Photo

10 Things You May Not Know About The Obama's New Pup (VIDEO)

Sassy Smith — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:05:00 GMT

Malia and Sasha Obama are two happy little girls! They are now proud owners of a Portuguese Water Dog named Bo and were officially presented with the pooch on Tuesday, April 14.

Video & pics after the jump!

Here are 10 things you may not know about the Obama family's new dog:

10) Bo's orginal name was Charlie and sold by a Texas breeder on Dec. 8, 2008.

9) The pup was purchased by a family,who paid $1,600 for him, however, they were unable to keep him - he tried to nurse from their 6-year-old female Water Dog and things just didn't go well from there.

8) Senator Ted Kennedy purchased the pup (with the intention of giving it to the Obama family) after he was returned to the breeder - the original family was given their money back, all $1,600.

7) "Charlie" spent a month living with a professional dog trainer before going to the Obamas.

6) The entire Obama family will "take turns walking the dog" including President Obama!

5) President Obama won't allow Bo to sleep in his bed: "We set that rule down a long time ago," said Barack Obama.

4) Bo is already on his way to being well-trained. He can sit, goes down, shakes and rolls over. His trainer Dawn Sylvia said, "He sits very well, he does down very well. He shakes, he rolls over. He knows his off command, which means don’t touch. He understands wait."

3) Some in the animal shelter community are not happy that the Obamas chose a dog from a breeder instead of a rescue pet. Kim Saunders, co-founder of Petfinder.com said, "Bo seems like a great dog, but we were all hoping the President would lead by example."

2) Although Bo isn't a "rescue" animal, his particular breed was chosen because they are hypoallergenic - and Malia, 10, suffers from allergies and will fit well with their family.

1) Malia told reporters, "I love him. He's perfect." Even President Obama is smitten. He said, "He's got star quality. That's a good looking dog, let's face it."

The Obamas are expected to make a donation to a local Humane Society.

I remember the first time I became a pet owner as a kid - it was such an exciting day!

Check out the family receiving their pup:

[Source|Source|Source|Source]

Obama Family Easter Photos

Obama Girls May Get An Easter Puppy

Michelle Obama Teaches Kids About Gardening

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Obama Family Easter Photos

Sassy Smith — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:09:00 GMT

The First Family enjoyed their Easter Monday with the annual Easter Egg Roll festivities beginning around 10 a.m. President Obama, First Lady Michelle, daughters Malia and Sasha, along with Michelle's mom, Marian Robinson, spent some time walking the grounds of the White House. Goal for the day said Michelle Obama, "To just have fun!"

More pics after the jump!

Other activities included yoga, reading to a group of children, an egg toss, dancing, basketball and an egg hunt. Looks like fun was had by all!

Oh, and the Obama girls finally got their pup - Bo arrived on the holiday weekend!

[Source|Source]

Update: Malia & Sasha Obama Adapting Well

Obama Girls May Get An Easter Puppy

Michelle Obama Teaches Kids About Gardening

Obama Knows Where the Wild Things Are

Adorable Obama Family Pictures

trix — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 20:03:00 GMT

So I was going to do the whole, do you know who my parents are, thing with this picture, but I think it's sort of obvious.

Malia looks exactly the same and happens to look just like her mom.

Here are a couple more pictures, just for fun...

They are too cute.

Source

Obama Family Dog Has Arrived! His Name Is Bo! (PHOTO)

Sassy Smith — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 17:32:00 GMT

Happy Easter to the First Family! After much anticipation, Sasha and Malia Obama have their new dog! The girls have named him - a 6-month-old Portuguese Water Dog - Bo.

From PEOPLE:

First, the name. According to the Washington Post, which published confirmation of the White House dog news Sunday, Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, chose the name because their cousins have a cat named Bo and because Mrs. Obama's father was nicknamed Diddley, as in Bo Diddley. The dog is a gift from Sen. Ted Kennedy, who owns three dogs of the same breed, known for high spirits and said to be a good fit for kids with allergies (such as Malia). Kennedy had been lobbying the Obamas to get a Portuguese Water Dog (or PWD) for months.

Sasha and Malia are said to be "delighted," and some details are still being worked out - such as where Bo will sleep and who will walk and feed him. The pup had made an earlier trip - dubbed "The Meeting" - to the White House and staff members said it was a success.

Earlier reports (and photos) that a pup, named "Charlie" would arrive on Tuesday, proved to be false.

Bo is said to have belonged to a family who was unable to keep him and because President Obama and First Lady Michelle didn't get a dog from a rescue shelter, they are said to be making a donation to the District of Columbia Humane Society.

What an exciting weekend for Sasha and Malia!

[Source|Photo]

Obama Girls May Get An Easter Puppy

Michelle Obama Teaches Kids About Gardening

Obama Knows Where the Wild Things Are

Is Miley Cyrus Too Good For The Obamas?

trix — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:30:00 GMT

Okay, so it's really hard for the Obama girls to head out to the movies like every other little girl out there so they asked Miley Cyrus if she be willing to send them a copy of the movie for a White House Screening.

Guess what the brat with a sense of entitlement said, she said NO!

Miley said, "They want me to send them a copy, so we will - but, like everyone else, they have to wait 'til April 10th. Even the President."

Wow! I guess she won't ever be invited to the White House, poor girl, she really thinks something of herself doesn't she?

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Source | Photo | Photo

Michelle Obama Wants To Be A Role Model

trix — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:32:00 GMT

So, I think we've all done the Michelle Obama isn't pregnant thing to death.

What we haven't discussed though, is her dedication to her workout regimen. Not only is she determined to be in the best shape of her life, she wants her daughters to, " See a mother who takes care of herself, even if that means I have to get up at 4:30 so I can do a workout."

She also described Barack's excitement at Sasha's interest in basketball, "Barack's losing his mind, I was like, 'Settle down - don't act too excited, or she will not want to do it.'"

That's awesome, my husband and I try to take a little time each day to stop and play and do something physical with our boys for the same reason.

Barack Obama to Pen Book for the Kids

Source | Photo

Barack Obama Opens Up About Sasha's Health Scare

trix — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:32:00 GMT

Last week Barack Obama told all of the internet how much he loves nurses. He went on to explain why he loves them during Thursday's Internet town-hall meeting.

He went on to explain that, “When Sasha, our little precious pea, was just three months old, she was hospitalized with life-threatening meningitis. The doctors did a terrific job, but frankly, it was the nurses that were there with us when she had to get a spinal tap and all sorts of things that were just bringing me to tears. And we’ve got a problem in this country, which is we have a shortage of nurses.”

”I’m biased toward nurses. “I just like nurses.”

It's such a scary situation when your child is in the hospital. You have no control and all you want to do is take their place.

I didn't know that Sasha was sick when she was little, maybe the Obamas do know what it's like to be the rest of us.

Source

Michelle Obama Towers Over Other Women

trix — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 17:03:00 GMT

Two famous moms got together to laugh it up while is Washington D.C. while promoting and celebrating Women's History Month.

Michelle Obama and Sheryl Crow were photographed together, both all decked out in black.

How tiny is Sheryl Crow, that she can wear heels and still be shorter than Michelle Obama, who happens to be wearing flats? She's at least 4 inches shorter with heels and I can't quite tell how tall her shoes are, but it definitely has a sizable heel.

There's nothing like being the tall one of the bunch, I'm tall and have never felt delicate, I'm sure Michelle Obama has the same feelings at times.

Sasha and Malia are going to be really tall, good thing their mom is tall. She will be able to help them not feel as awkward as they might, growing up.

Source

Update: Malia & Sasha Obama Adapting Well

Sassy Smith — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 18:05:00 GMT

Malia and Sasha Obama have experienced some big changes in recent weeks, but what hasn't changed is how President Obama and First Lady Michelle parent and raise their girls. They definitely know how to keep their girls grounded! So,how are the first daughters adjusting to their new life in the White House?

President Obama was recently interviewed on 60 minutes and asked how his girls are fairing in the White House. Obama said his daughters are "adapting remarkably, in ways that I just would not have expected."

He adds, "What's interesting is actually how unimpressed they are with it. I mean they - they're going to school. They are unchanged. They're the same sweet, engaging, happy, unpretentious kids that they were... They do seem to be having fun."

Malia, 10, and Sasha,7, are enjoying their spring break and hanging out with mom at Camp David while dad works.

The girls are anxiously waiting for their new puppy - which they should be getting once their school break is over.

[Source]

The Scoop On The Obama's New Dog: They're Calling It "Moose?"

Barack and Michelle Obama are Still Parents First

trix — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:32:00 GMT

How long did your parent teacher conference last this year, 5 to 10 minutes? Was your child's teacher awed by your presence?

No, mine either.

I'm guessing this wasn't the case for Sasha Obama's parent teacher conference. President and Michelle Obama were at the school for about an hour and I'm sure Sasha was thankful the press wasn't allowed inside.

That was, of course, the right decision. Sasha is probably a great student, but no one wants the whole world to know their kid's business in school.

Kudos to the President for attending the conference as well because, he could have just said, you go Michelle, tell Sasha I love her.

Sunday Cute Shot - Swinging With the First Family

Source | Photo

The Scoop On The Obama's New Dog: They're Calling It "Moose?"

Sassy Smith — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:07:00 GMT

President Obama, First Lady Michelle and their two girls, Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their new pooch and everyone wants to know, what kind of dog are they getting and what will they name it?

Michelle Obama spoke with PEOPLE at the White House and here is what she said:

"You're getting some scoop here."

The First Family will be getting their dog in April, after they get back from their spring-break vacation.

Here's what the family's conversation went like:

Michelle said, "So Sasha says, 'April 1st.' I said, 'April.' She says, 'April 1st.' It's, like, April! Got to do it after spring break. You can't get a new dog and then go away for a week."

What kind of dog is the presidential family getting?

Mrs. Obama said they'll likely get a rescue Portuguese Water dog who is "old enough" and a "match" for their family dynamic.

She added, "Tempermentally they're supposed to be pretty good. From the size perspective, they're sort of middle of the road - it's not small, but it's not a huge dog. And the folks that we know who own them have raved about them. So that's where we're leaning."

Do they have names picked out? Mom-in-chief isn't feeling the names her daughters have come up with to date.

"Oh, the names are really bad. I don't even want to mention it, because there are names floating around and they're bad. You listen and you go - like, I think, Frank was one of them. Frank! Moose was another one of them. Moose. I said, well, what if the dog isn't a moose? Moose. I'm like, no, come on, let's work with the names a little bit."

Okay, so Moose it's not. Ha.

Is Michelle surprised by the public interest in her family's dog search? Yes!

"Okay, that's surprising. One of the things I didn't anticipate is the level of the excitement about the dog. I knew my kids were excited. They've been excited for years. They've even calmed down, because they feel like, 'They said we're going to get one, so let's just shut up about it.'"

She added, "It's all great and gracious attention. People are just being as helpful as you can imagine. So I know that we will find the perfect breed. And we'll find people who are caring folks who will help us find the dog of our dreams."

*The dog in the photo is not their dog - just a photo of the breed they're looking at.* Very cute!

[People.com]

Getting to Know Michelle Obama

Malia & Sasha Obama Receive Just $1 A Week Allowance

Sassy Smith — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 17:12:00 GMT

The Obama kids, Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, are not spoiled! Despite their father being the President of the United States, the girls receive only $1 per week for allowance. And they don't get the dollar for the heck of it either - they have to work for it!

President Obama said he gives his daughters just one dollar each per week for doing their choirs. The girls are asked to set the table for meals, rinse dishes and keep their rooms and closets tidy. Some are criticizing Obama for giving his girls such a low amount - one critic even urged Obama to "provide a fiscal stimulus" for his kids.

The Obama girls are also expected to follow the same rules that the family had back in Chicago.

Bedtime is still 8 p.m., they're expected to set their own alarm clocks and get themselves up for school in the morning. Part of keeping their rooms clean, is making their beds. And when they eventually get a dog, they'll be in charge of walking it and scooping the poop.

First Lady Michelle said in her first interview with ABC, about the girls making their beds, "That was the first thing I said to some of the staff when I did my visit. Don't make their beds. Make mine. Skip the kids. They have to learn these things."

Mr. Obama and Michelle are learning to balance their parenting with their public responsibilities and both are committed to keeping their little girls grounded, according to friends and family.

Craig Robinson, Michelle Obama's brother said, "Those are some special girls, and everyone is rooting for them to make it through this intact."

President Obama agreed. "Right now, they're not self conscious. You know, they don't have an attitude. And I think one of our highest priorities over the next four years is retaining that."

Do your kids receive an allowance? If so, do they have to do chores to earn it? And what's a reasonable amount to give children?

[Source|Source]

Ty Inc Caves, Retires & Renames Sweet Sasha & Marvelous Malia Dolls

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President Obama & First Lady Michelle Visit Sasha's School

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20 Things You May Not Know About Malia & Sasha Obama

Sassy Smith — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 12:04:00 GMT

We've had 'Things you don't know' lists about President Barack Obama, as well as First Lady Michelle. We've even had tidbits on grandmother-in-chief, Marian Robinson, and now there's a list of things you may not know about the adorable Obama girls, Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7.

List after the jump!

The list below is from BettyConfidential.com:

1. Sasha is short for Natasha.

2. Malia's birthday is July 4, quite fitting for the daughter of a president!

3. Tuition at The Lab School in Chicago, where Malia and Sasha used to attend, ran between $18,000 and $20,000 per student, depending on the grade level. Tuition at their new school, Sidwell Friends, is around $29,000.

4. Speaking of school, every Wednesday, the girls will bring a vegetable to school to contribute to the makings of a 50 pound pot of soup to help feed homeless and low-income families. I'm especially excited to hear if their mom and dad will participate on one of the third Saturdays when the families are encouraged to go to Martha's Table, the organization the school supports in this endeavor.

5. The Ty Beanie Baby dolls--Sweet Sasha and Marvelous Malia--that Michelle Obama vehemently opposed that were NOT fashioned in the likeness of the girls are already showing up on eBay. But, Ty Inc. just announced that nonetheless, the dolls' names are changing to Sweet Sydney and Marvelous Mariah.

6. Best quote: Malia wins hands-down for critiquing her father as he was preparing his inauguration speech with her advice that since he is the "first African-American president" his speech "better be good."

7. Malia is allergic to animal dander, which may be why it's taking a while for First Fido, the gift Dad promised the girls on Election night, to make his or her debut on the White House lawn.

8. While the girls, and America, are still waiting for their puppy, the choice seems to be between two breeds: Labradoodle or a Portuguese Water Dog.

9. The girls' favorite foods include fried chicken and macaroni and cheese--as every house with kids in America goes, so goes the White House.

10. Sasha's birthdate is June 10, 2001. By the time she was born, her father was already big on the campaign trail running for Senate, so she's no stranger to all of the action, the crowds, the cameras.

11. Malia's choice of favorite activities: soccer, dance, drama.

12. Sasha's into gymnastics and tap.

13. It's piano and tennis for both of the girls.

14. Family friend to the Obamas, "Mama Kaye" Wilson, is known for making some favorites for the girls including her famous French toast. Sasha digs "Mama Kaye's" cobbler and Malia is also a fan of her lemon meringue pie.

15. While their parents danced the night away at the Inaugural balls, the girls and some friends from their new school settled in at La Casa Blanca and watched High School Musical 3 and Bolt.

16. Sasha is the youngest White House resident since JFK's children lived there.

17. If Mom isn't packing their lunch for school, the girls will have a healthy choice of foods to eat at school. The Sidwell menu this week includes a daily vegetarian option or a classic entrée, and there's always a snack, a vegetable and a nice fruity dessert: grilled vegetable wraps, cheese tortellini, chicken fajitas, spicy organic black been tortillas, garden vegetable quiche, asparagus, organic rainbow chard, gemelli pasta & no nut pesto, pineapple slices, tangerines, a variety of soups. I have yet to spy pizza or French fries among the Sidwell selections.

18. While you probably already know that the Jonas Brothers played to a crowd of 14,000 fans at the Kids Inaugural concert at the Verizon center along with Miley Cyrus and Demi Lavato, you may not know they surprised the girls in a White House scavenger hunt the following night. After sneaking in and being discovered by the group of "hunters," the three brothers stuck around and played three songs and posed for photos with all of the guests.

19. Malia is most excited about her move into the White House because she enjoys decorating: "I get to get this whole new room and do whatever I want," she's said. It's been reported that in the same way Michelle Obama opts for Everywoman brands like J.Crew for clothing, she'll let her girls have their pick of accessible furnishings from Pottery Barn and Anthropologie.

20. Malia's pet peeve about her dad: She trips over his big gigantic bag when he gets home and leaves it in the mud room. Sasha's pet peeve: Her dad always places his bag on top of her shoes. Maybe now that they have such a big house to live in, Dad can put his bag somewhere else so it's not in everybody's way!

Despite being in the public eye, Malia and Sasha seem like pretty typical kids!

[Source]

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Ty Inc Caves, Retires & Renames Sweet Sasha & Marvelous Malia Dolls

Sassy Smith — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 16:03:00 GMT

Ty Inc. has decided to "retire" their Sweet Sasha and Marvelous Malia dolls despite the fact that they claim they were NOT named (sure, we believe that) after President Obama and Michelle's daughters, Sasha, 7, and Malia, 10. The company has now renamed the dolls.

First Lady Michelle objected to the dolls' names, saying through her rep, "we believe it is inappropriate to use young, private citizens for marketing purposes.''

Although a Ty spokesperson declined to comment, their website shows the dolls as "retired." The dolls have now been renamed: "Marvelous Mariah" and "Sweet Sydney," and profits from sales from the original dolls will be donated to charity. Now, that is a great idea!

Mrs. Obama's press secretary, Katie McCormick, said, "We appreciate the company's response to this matter."

White House lawyers are now trying to rein in any commercial use of President Obama's name and image.

Jen Psaki, White House spokeswoman said, "Our lawyers are working on developing a policy that will protected the presidential image while being careful not to squelsh the overwhelming enthusiasm that the public has for the president."

I think the Obamas should be the ones to decide if a company or organization can use their daughters' names and if they choose to never allow it, then people need to respect that. As a parent, I wouldn't want my children's images or likeness used without my permission.

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Michelle Obama To Decorate Daughters' Rooms With Pottery Barn!

Sassy Smith — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 14:07:00 GMT

The White House is getting a makeover - well, at least two of the rooms! First Lady Michelle Obama is working with L.A.-based designer Michael Smith to get help in furnishing her daughters' rooms and plans to decorate them with Pottery Barn!

Have you seen Pottery Barn's girl's bedroom furniture and bedding? So adorable and affordable - yes, even for families who don't live in the White House!

Smith says he'll blend the Obama's "casual style" with "afforable brands."

Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, will have some traditional decor, added with their likes and preferences. Malia is currently reading the Twilight book series, so perhaps she'll get to incorporate that into her bedroom. And the fith-grader wants to do her homework at the desk where Abraham Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation!

Despite having a designer help her with the girls' rooms, Mrs. Obama plans to keep her daughters grounded and keep a normal, family routine. Family friend Kim Lightford said just because they have a White House staff, doesn't mean they don't do regular family things.

"We'll see Michelle and the girls in the White House kitchen, trying to bake something together, and her raising them as if they were still in Chicago."

It's nice that the Obamas plan to keep things real, especially their parenting. Refreshing!

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First Lady Michelle Obama Bans Daughters From Celebrities

Sassy Smith — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:05:00 GMT

Self-styled 'Mom-in-Chief' Michelle Obama wants her girls - Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7 - to stay grounded and not receive any sort of special treatment as they start their new lives in Washington. Although the girls were thrilled with a surprise visit from The Jonas Brothers boys, and met Beyonce during the campaign, there will be no more socializing with celebrities.

Us Weekly quotes a family friend that Mrs. Obama "is trying to keep them grounded." Michelle wants the girls to settle into their new school - Sidwell Friends School - and have as normal as a life as possible.

"Michelle is spending a lot of time talking to the girls about the new school and she's reached out to fellow parents at Sidwell," added the source.

The Obamas, as well, will not be hiring a nanny to care for the girls, but instead have grandma - Marian Robinson, Michelle's mom - to look after the girls, whom she adores and dotes on.

And the family's biggest plus - having dad Barack at home for breakfast and dinner, which was something that usually didn't happen while he was on the campaign trail. They definitely want a routine!

I think the Obamas will probably do a good job of keeping their children focused and grounded and not let them turn into spoiled kids!

[Source]

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