First lady Michelle Obama smiles as she participates in a Thanksgiving service project by handing out food at the Capital Area Food Bank on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013 in Washington. President Barack Obama, with daughters Sasha, left, and Malia, makes a joke during remarks at the Thanksgiving tradition of saving a turkey from the dinner table with a "presidential pardon," at the White House on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013 in Washington. After the pardoning, the turkey travels to George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens where they will be on display for visitors during "Christmas at Mount Vernon." WASHINGTON (AP) - Michelle Obama says she tries not to tell President Barack Obama what to do because "he's got enough people in his ear." She says she tries "to stay out of his ear." Mrs. Obama says she and the president treat their private quarters on the second floor of the White House as a sanctuary, particularly when daughters Malia and Sasha are home. She says the girls like to talk about their day, which often has little to do with what's going on in the rest of the world. The first lady says everyone has to have their "safe haven" and, for her family, that place is home. Mrs. Obama spoke in a taped interview with ABC News, which released excerpts. The Obamas' full interview with Barbara Walters airs Friday night.