It all started with a little boy who dared to dream. "I'd sit for hours staring out that window of my father's automotive electric business, contemplating what I was going to make of my life," Jennings Osborne recalls a scene from his childhood, where he began working for his father as a 6-year-old. "One thing my father taught me early is that if I worked harder than anybody else, I would achieve my dreams. "Today my life's a fantasy land."

Welcome to the world of Jennings Osborne, who along with wife Mitzi and daughter Breezy, are one of the most celebrated families in Arkansas with their keen ability to do things bigger and better.

From Day One, it seems Jennings and Mitzi were destined to be together, at least someday. They were born in the same hospital in Fort Smith, Arkansas, just three days apart in September, 1943. Their families lived only 13 blocks apart. But their first meeting didn't take place until 9th grade. This time, love would have to wait. "She was dating one of my friends and I was seeing someone else," Jennings says with a smile.

Mitzi transferred to another high school the next year and the two wouldn't meet again until both were out of college. Jennings was a microbiology major at the University of Arkansas while Mitzi studied at Siena College in Memphis. Once they met again while both were working at St. Edward's Hospital in Fort

Smith, it didn't take long. "After four dates, we were engaged," says Mitzi, who married Jennings on Nov. 13, 1965.

The 22,000 square-foot home in Little Rock, another palatial estate in Hot Springs, and the estimated 40 luxury cars they own now wasn't much of a thought when Jennings and Mitzi moved to Little Rock some three months after their wedding. They pulled a U-Haul with all of their belonging and rented a

small, modest home. "The rent was $85 a month," Mitzi recalls "And yes, that did include utilities. But it was all we could afford. It really wasn't that bad. It was a neat place." But they were willing to make any sacrifice possible to realize their dreams.

To put it into perspective, after graduating from the St Vincent School of Medical Technology in Little Rock, Jennings took a total of only three days off during the years of 1965,1966, & 1967. The three days......Christmas. In the span of those years, a typical day for Jennings meant working the 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. shift at Baptist Medical Center as the Department Head of Microbiology then racing across town for his 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. lab technician work at the St Vincent Infirmary, and finishing with on call responsiblities from11 p.m. to 7 a.m. for St Vincent. If that weren't enough, he also performed freelance bloodwork for twelve other doctors. But they were willing to make any sacrifice possible to realize their dreams.

After both endured a "normal" 80-hour work schedule for three solid years, they established the Arkansas Research Medical Testing Center in 1968. "A local physician asked me to do a test procedure that involved research and one thing led to another," Jennings acknowledged.

Essentially, the business entails working with pharmaceutical companies testing new medications on human patients to meet the Food and Drug Administration Requirements. So, with so many research companies, how did the Osborne's get so far ahead? "Let me say it as succinctly as I can," says Mitzi, her eyes ablaze "We worked nonstop." And she means this literally. Both actually lived at work and wouldn't come home for months at a time.

By 1976, the couple was able to afford the home where they now live. "It kind of snuck up on us," Mitzi remarks of the financial windfall. "To tell you the truth, we were sometimes too busy to notice." Through the years, the add-ons have been extensive.

Today, the house in Little Rock is 22,000 square feet, has 6 suites, 13 bathrooms, three kitchens, swimming pool, hot tub, and tennis courts. They also purchased the 5,000 square-foot houses on either side to complete the Cantrell Compound. Will enough ever be enough? "I'm a dreamer," Jennings said.

As a shy 6-year-old, Breezy Osborne couldn't imagine she would later spark nationwide attention when she asked her parents for some Christmas lights.. But according to her parents, she was their ultimate gift. After five miscarriages, Mitzi and Jennings welcomed Allison Brianne Osborne into the world on May 29, 1980.

The day of reckoning was oh-so typical for the driven pair. On that morning, Mitzi got off work at 3:30 a.m, her water broke one hour later and she gave birth at 10:01 a.m. Less than two weeks later, she was back at work with the infant by her side. Her nickname later became Breezy because "she came into our world in a hurry," Mitzi muses. But just because she might be the most doted on girl in Arkansas, she is far from being spoiled.

"Breezy has been taught from the beginning that being able to get whatever she wants or needs doesn't make her more special than anyone else," Mitzi said. "But having her makes us rich." Jennings added, "She's really a great kid. We got real lucky." Breezy is the first to say she is the combination of her parents. "If you don't know dad very well, he doesn't talk too much," Breezy said.

"But my Mom talks 90 to nothing. I can see how I can be a little like both."

Breezy, who went to Catholic schools through high school, opted for a public college. "I went to a private school all my life and I needed something different," she said. "I chose Central Arkansas because the University (in Fayetteville) was too far and Arkansas-Little Rock was too close. I wanted to go somewhere where I could make my own name, not for what my name is."

Still, she continues to be a little bothered by those who have preconceived notions. "People look like at me like I'm a big snob until they get to know me," Breezy says with frustration. "Once they finally do get to know me, it's like OH. They like me for me." Fiercely independent, "I was getting these jobs on my own right," said Breezy, who also adds baby sitter as a third job title. "I did this for me."

Today, Jennings Osborne is one of the most prominent and successful business men in Arkansas, but around the country, he's probably more remembered for the way he celebrates Christmas. The Osbornes sparked nationwide attention in 1993 when the Arkansas Supreme Court ordered them to shut down their enormous Christmas light display at their Little Rock home. At that time, their estate was adorned with an estimated 3 million lights and could be seen from the air as far as 80 miles away. Sightseers numbering in the thousands flocked to the scene, drawing ire from neighbors and sparking the State Supreme Court decision. Jennings, who was determined to plead his case to the Supreme Court, finally lost his battle when Justice Clarence Thomas ruled the case was not unique enough to be heard.

For many, it appeared to be the end of the Osborne's special gift at Christmas. In reality it was just the beginning. Mickey and Minnie Mouse came calling and invited Jennings, Mitzi and Breezy to bring their 3 million Christmas lights to Disney World in Orlando, Florida where it has since thrilled millions. And instead of lighting up one place in Arkansas, the Natural State now has 32 sites that have been "Osbornetized" with Christmas lights.

While the famed Christmas house no longer lights up the sky during the holiday season, the Osbornes continue to make their mark in other ways. In addition to sponsoring Christmas-light displays in 32 cities in Arkansas and Disney World, the Osbornes are also known for their gigantic and tasty barbecues and lavish fireworks displays.

Why do they do all of this? "We just like to make people happy," Jennings said. Around Arkansas, Jennings has become known as Little Rock's own version of Elvis with his lavish gift-giving and philanthropy which exceeds millions annually. But those who know the Osbornes best, don't doubt their unselfish regard for others. Just call it a "random act of kindness."