SECRETS OF THE WHITE HOUSE

From MomLogic.com

Will the Obamas renovate?

The Obamas will have their own decorator of their choosing who will help them personalize the private residence. This area consists of nine rooms. But it's important to keep in mind that the Lincoln Bedroom and the Queen's Room are part of this and they will remain untouched -- except for any necessary restoration, such as peeling wallpaper. Most likely the girls' bedrooms will have to be changed to cater to their young ages.

What if Barack, Michelle or the kids want a midnight snack?

There is a kitchen in the private residence now. Jackie Kennedy had it put in because she felt frustrated that she had to walk down two stories to grab a snack.

What if the First Couple wants to, well, you know. Is there Secret Service standing outside their bedroom door?

The Secret Service keep an eye on the perimeter of the private residence, but privacy is negotiated with each family.

Is there a TV in their bedroom? What about TiVo?

If they want it, they can have it.

Can Malia and Sasha hang up posters of the Jonas Brothers and Hannah Montana?

If they want to, yes.

Do people pick out the President's clothing in the morning?

Clothing is a private concern, although if there is something he should be aware of, such as appropriate attire to meet a Head of State, he has an appointed valet who will help him.

How is the chef picked?

Usually it is someone who is established in the food industry. The Obamas may very well keep the Bush's chef. But if they want a certain specialty of cuisine, they may change the head chef. There is a whole cooking staff who is there to serve at the pleasure of the President.

What if the President is "indisposed" in his bathroom and there's a national emergency?

Someone will knock and let him know he is needed.

Will the Secretary of the Treasury help the girls with their math homework?

If he or she likes the kids then maybe, but it's not like there's a hotline for algebra help.

Could the girls have a slumber part if they want?

Actually Margaret Truman had a slumber party in the Lincoln Bedroom once. The shape is perfect because it's a long room, so all the girls had their sleeping bags lined up perfectly.

Can they order a pizza?

It's not like they can call up and have the delivery person show up at the door 30 minutes later. Every restaurant they eat at and all food that comes in must be examined for security reasons. But, if they planned ahead, of course.

Does the First Lady really pick new china?

She only picks new china if there is too much wear and tear of the older sets. There is no Clinton or Bush china. Nancy Reagan was the last person to pick china in the White House and she was highly criticized for it.

Is there some inside scoop on past First Ladies?

Hillary Clinton once held a scavenger hunt in the White House for Chelsea's birthday.

... Jackie Kennedy cried when she saw how run down the White House was when she arrived. The carpets were worn, the floors were a mess and the curtains were ripped. She's the one who hired a curator and demanded it be treated as a museum.

... Nancy Reagan routinely asked the kitchen staff to take photos of plated food so she could make sure it looked right before serving it at social events.

... On the Nixon's first night, Pat wanted cottage cheese, but the kitchen hadn't anticipated the First Lady may be watching her weight so there was none.

What exactly does the First Lady do?

She does not get paid although she does have an office and a staff, and generally supports a specific cause or charity. Although traditional obligations are to manage the social life of the White House, Hillary Clinton really expanded the roll by having an office in the West Wing.

What First Family do you think The Obamas will be like?

The Kennedys. They are a family with young kids and a sense of history.