Fun facts from the FamBam

"To Cheryl and Clark. Remember Marriage is a commitment. So Love and treasure each other. Respect and appreciate each other. Don't take things for granted. Be Happy and have a good Life."

Charles Koo

WHO:
I'm Cheryl's mom, a full time mother who loves dancing especially ballroom dancing, loves all yummy tasty food, enjoys movies n music.

FAVORITE UNFORGETTABLE MEMORY OF CHERYL:
When you were 2 yrs old sucking your 2 little fingers n holding a small towel with your other hand against your nose sitting in the car seat at the back of Jiu Jiu's car enjoying Michael Jackson's Beat It with one leg crossed to the other and making the rhythm with the music :))

PROUDEST MOMENT OF CHERYL:
Your fashion shows (your design, choreography n comments from the audiences)

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO NAME ME CHERYL?
Your dad and I wanted you to have the same first name initial as him, and at that time there were a few very talented good looking healthy famous Hollywood stars and models' name was Cheryl, that's why :))

ONE INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME THAT PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME?
When you were 5 yrs old, you promised us you wouldn't need your little comfort towel n suck your 2 fingers any more on your 6th birthday n you really kept your promise. (Bravo! :))

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR CHARK ON GETTING AND BEING MARRIED?
A lot of love, caring, understanding, trust n patience.

WHO:
I am Charles, Cheryl's Dad. Unlike Cheryl, I am not very good with colors, thus in clothing, you'll normally see me in blue or black. Foodwise, I love spicy ones. And due to frequent travelling, I don't have much time for regular workouts. Thus I took up dancing as my exercise (cause I can enjoy the music while doing it). I love going to the movies whenever I can . My record is 5 in a day.

FAVORITE UNFORGETTABLE MEMORY OF CHERYL:
(not a favorite one though) was when Cheryl was in pre-kindergarten in Singapore, she got hit in the mouth by the see-saw, and had to undergo surgeries. Afterwards, she looked bewildered and scared, and yet she could not suck her fingers (which was her security blanket at that time). She tried but just could not because that hurt after the surgery.

PROUDEST MOMENT OF CHERYL:
Was when I was in the crowd, watching Cheryl's Fashion Show. I was so impressed with her Choreography, and the audiences had the same reaction.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO NAME ME CHERYL?
I must have wanted Cheryl to have the same initial as mine, thus it started with a 'C'. Cheryl's Mum, Rita, must be more instrumental in finalizing with the pick.

ONE INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME THAT PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME?
I don't know whether it is a known fact to most, I was really impressed and proud, when I learned that while Cheryl was in High School, she stood up and spoke publicly to the whole School, canvasing for votes to became an officer of the student body.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR CHARK ON GETTING AND BEING MARRIED?
To Cheryl and Clark. Remember Marriage is a commitment. So Love and treasure each other. Respect and appreciate each other. Don't take things for granted. Be Happy and have a good Life.

WHO:
I was born in Philadelphia, PA months after the end of WW II. My parents had left Topaz (Utah) internment camp to go to Philadelphia to care for Dad's terminally-ill mother, who had gone there where she had friends to look after her. I grew up in San Francisco, where I attended Sunday School classes and Brownie/Girl/Senior Scout meetings, took piano lessons, and took care of my four younger siblings. Little did I know that that would lead to a long career in elementary school teaching. I spend a great deal of time keeping Dad and me healthy with nutritional foods and good vitamins and supplements, as well as attending my weekly aqua therapy and tai chi fitness classes and weekly yoga and gym sessions at the Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center at UCLA. I am always so grateful for donations from family and friends, in my name and my MS Walk's team's name "Team Achievers", for the MS Society's work to fund research for cures for Multiple Sclerosis, the symptoms of which I have had for over forty years.

FAVORITE UNFORGETTABLE MEMORY OF CLARK:
You always liked to deliver our Christmas Poinsettias and Easter lilies to our four senior-citizen neighbors, Uncle Bob, Auntie Alice, Auntie Peggy and Auntie Kay. You wrote on a third-grade worksheet that "stirfry" was your favorite food.

PROUDEST MOMENT OF CLARK:
Same as Dad. You showed remarkable independence and we are proud that you started your business at the young age of 21. And you have persisted to make it successful.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO NAME ME CLARK?
Actually, it started with your Obaachan, who gave me a short first name, because so many Japanese names are so long.

ONE INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME THAT PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME?
Young Clark constantly looked ahead to possibilities. When you couldn't get to do or have what you wanted, you found ways to make things happen. When told, for the umpteenth time, that you couldn't have a baby sister, you said, "I know! When Craig gets married, I'll have a sister!"

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR CHARK ON GETTING AND BEING MARRIED?
Keep the Trinity - God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit - foremost in your lives. Pray. HE will give you strength. Always remember and treasure the "younger" person that you fell in love with, and then, be willing to age gracefully and graciously together. Finally, Dad once said, "Let's grow old together." We'll get around to that one of these days . . .

WHAT WERE YOUR EMOTIONS WHEN YOU FOUND OUT I WAS AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION?
We were elated and felt so fortunate and so blessed to become your parents. You have grown to be a fine man. Dad and I are so proud of you.

WHO:
I was born in Minidoka (Idaho) internment camp in Idaho during World War Two. I grew up in Tumwater, WA and moved to California in 1970 and started my career in business forms sales. I met Mother that year and we married in 1972. Mother and I spend much of our free time with volunteer work and participating on committees at Union Church. I like all kinds of food and enjoy trying new ones. My exercise routine is a brisk forty minute walk every other day.

FAVORITE UNFORGETTABLE MEMORY OF CLARK:
You were a very physically-active child. Some of your activities included gymnastics, soccer, basketball, and baseball, playing ice and roller hockey, skate boarding, skiing, and snowboarding, and of course golf, where you showed your excellent skills.

PROUDEST MOMENT OF CLARK:
You showed remarkable independence and we are proud that you started your business at the young age of 21.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO NAME ME CLARK?
Mother and I started up the alphabet from "A" and came to "Clark". "Clark" is not too common and Mother and I like the name for its strength.

ONE INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME THAT PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME?
I do not have an answer to this question because you are open about yourself.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR CHARK ON GETTING AND BEING MARRIED?
Continue to have good communication and help each other in all aspects of life. This will help maintain your love for each other.

WHAT WERE YOUR EMOTIONS WHEN YOU FOUND OUT I WAS AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION?
We were elated and felt so fortunate and so blessed to become your parents. You have grown to be a fine man. Mother and I are so proud of you.

WHO:
I am Clark's one and only brother. I run a girls clothing line called Ele Story with my wife Judy which takes up half of our waking hours. Our 3 year old daughter June is our inspiration and our joy and takes up the other half. Chinese and Japanese foods are my favorite kinds of food and I love traveling to Asian countries. I am a huge Lakers fan.

FAVORITE UNFORGETTABLE MEMORY OF CLARK:
An unforgettable memory is when the Northridge earthquake hit in 93, Clark was 7 or 8 and was very scared. I remember standing in the doorjam in the entryway of our house during the aftershocks and telling him that I would protect him. I will never forget that experience having him rely on me and being so completely dedicated to keeping him safe.

PROUDEST MOMENT OF CLARK:
I have always been proud of Clark. He's my brother so he doesn't have to do anything special to make me proud. Now that his business is quite successful, I proudly show people the youtube videos he sends me of his latest accomplishments.

ONE INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME THAT PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME?
Clark used to take hundreds of bugs and smash them up in a jar into a gooey mess. Snails, pill bugs, pincher bugs--if he could find it, it got pulverized in the jar. Then he would spread it on a piece of bread and eat it. Ok, the second part isn't true, but the first part is.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR CHARK ON GETTING AND BEING MARRIED?
Keep your relationship central in your marriage. Life gets busy with kids, work, etc..., but set aside time to reconnect with one another through trips and time off alone.

CRAIG AS A 6 YEAR OLD, WHAT WERE YOUR FEELINGS WHEN YOU FOUND OUT MOTHER AND FATHER WERE BRINGING HOME A BROTHER FOR YOU?
Mom and dad told me while we were reading books together. I didn't fully comprehend what it meant at the time, but I remember being excited and looking forward to your coming home. When we brought you home I told mother, "Clark can do whatever he wants!" "We'll see what you say in a few years" she said.

WHO:
I am Lori, Clark's birthmother. I am an Office Manager/Bookkeeper at a retail market. I enjoy camping, fishing and outdoor activities, but most of all, spending time with my family enjoying BBQ's and campfires. A nice glass of wine at the end of a long day is what I look forward to!

FAVORITE UNFORGETTABLE MEMORY OF CLARK:
My favorite memory of you is of course being born. I was so happy your parents, Joan and Roger invited us into their home when you were a month old for a visit before we left town. That moment is frozen in my mind forever, because I always knew deep in my heart that you would be well taken care of.

PROUDEST MOMENT OF CLARK:
The proudest moment for me would be your accomplishments with the Deviant Art Lexus Project for SEMA. In conversations we hear of the projects you are working on, but it's unbelievable to actually see the work that you do. Being able to see the whole process from paper to the real live car was pretty incredible.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO NAME ME MATHEW AT BIRTH?
I like the name Matthew, but Dave didn't really care for it. I always liked the name Matt for short.

ONE INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME THAT PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME?
You never cut a fresh Christmas tree until your first Christmas with us.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR CHARK ON GETTING AND BEING MARRIED?
Getting married is definitely a fairy tale. It is so amazing...a life changing experience you will never forget. Keep those memories close because there will be bumps along the road of marriage that will definitely test your love. Keeping focus on your dreams will allow you to always remember the love you share.

WHAT WERE YOUR EMOTIONS WHEN I HAD COME BACK INTO FAMILY?
When Dave left Janine's condo and casually told me he was going to your shop to meet you, was a very scary moment for me. All of the emotions of the last 24 years started flooding in...happiness, sadness, guilt, curiosity, wonder, excitement. I would have to say the experience of our meeting was so surreal. I felt so at ease like you've been in our lives the whole time. I was amazed that the young man you have become was so much like Dave and I in our likes, dislikes and passions without even being involved in your life. Genetics is pretty amazing.

WHO:
My name is Dave Wong and I’m Clark’s biological father. I work as an electrician for a grocery store chain in northern California. My favorite color is green and I have many hobbies. For instance, fresh water fishing, salt water fishing, upland bird hunting, duck hunting, deer hunting with bow/ arrow and also rifle, skeet, sporting clay’s and metal/ wood fabricating.

FAVORITE UNFORGETTABLE MEMORY OF CLARK:
First time I took Clark to shoot sporting clays with me.

PROUDEST MOMENT OF CLARK:
When we first got back together at the hospital and to see how mature and grown up he was.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO NAME ME MATHEW AT BIRTH?
I didn’t choose your name Mathew, your mother did. I wanted to name you after both of your grandfathers “Robert”.

ONE INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME THAT PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME?
One interesting fact about you that people don’t know is “how you think”.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR CHARK ON GETTING AND BEING MARRIED?
The advice I have for you and Cheryl on getting married and being married is respect and be honest with each other at all times.

WHAT WERE YOUR EMOTIONS WHEN I HAD COME BACK INTO FAMILY?
My emotions when you came back to the family is still the same today. I am very very proud that you are my son.

WHO:
I am Clark's younger sister (middle) and I am currently a high school Senior, almost a freshman in college; I will be majoring in biology and I will be joining the United States Army. I am an outdoor girl; I love camping, fishing, hunting, archery, etc. My favorite color is blue.

FAVORITE UNFORGETTABLE MEMORY OF CLARK:
Meeting him for the first time in 2009 at Santa Monica Hospital and spending a little time getting to know him.

PROUDEST MOMENT OF CLARK:
My proudest moment of Clark was when he proposed to Cheryl.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR CHARK ON GETTING AND BEING MARRIED?
Respect each other and be understanding with one another.

WHAT WERE YOUR EMOTIONS WHEN I HAD COME BACK INTO FAMILY?
It was very difficult for me to accept having a brother when he first came "back."

WHO:
I am Clark’s sister, Jenna. Currently I am a senior in high school graduating this year. In my spare time I love to play any kind of sport, hang out with my friends or dirt bike. I love being outdoors specifically surrounded by nothing, but nature. Activities include camping, fishing, shooting, and hunting. Most importantly family means everything to me. It is what I value the most in life; moreover, who I am is defined by my family and is directly related to honor.

FAVORITE UNFORGETTABLE MEMORY OF CLARK:
My favorite unforgettable memory of you without a doubt was the first couple of months I spent with you when we first met. You opened the door to your life and without question accepted who I was and began addressing me as your sister. Another favorite memory is when I came to LA to visit at your old apartment. We would play video games and Monopoly. It was very frustrating though since you always seemed to beat me!! There are so many moments like these examples that words simply cannot describe.

PROUDEST MOMENT OF CLARK:
My proudest moment of you was of course when you shot your first buck, first bird and also caught your first fish. Then all your accomplishments and achievements with Lexus and VIP Auto Salon; which, to me is very inspiring to see how your determination made an idea on paper turn into a reality.

ONE INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME THAT PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME?
Your shoes always need to be clean. You don’t like walking out of the house with dirty shoes.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR CHARK ON GETTING AND BEING MARRIED?
Treat each day like it was the last day of your life. Don’t do things that you will regret. Understand that forever is just a word. It cannot be defined by time, meaning time is not forever. Therefore, make the most of every minute, of every day and of every year.

WHAT WERE YOUR EMOTIONS WHEN I HAD COME BACK INTO FAMILY?
I really didn’t know how to feel. I guess I had mixed emotions about the whole situation, but as time went on we got to know each other more and more. I would be so excited when I found out that you would be coming home. I could not sit still in school, just watching the clock and counting down the time when you would be arriving in Sacramento. Today, I am still the same way. Distance is one factor that gets in the way of our relationship and taught me that every moment is precious because you don’t know what you have until it’s gone.