With two high school kids in the house, I thought the days of the family bed were long gone. That's not necessarily so. 

As the owner of three pets, however, the family bed has once again taken over. On any given night, we have Roscoe, our bichon-poodle mix, spread on his back at the bottom of our queen bed, and Pekoe The Cat, curled up a few feet away in between my husband and me.   

As early dawn breaks, Leah, the last intruder and largest canine in the house, joins to become the crowded bed of five. At this point, I'm hanging off the bed with white knuckles. I can't roll over, move an inch or grab a blanket on a cold morning. That's when it's rise and shine time -- at least for me.

Sometimes, my four-legged friends will follow me to the couch in our “big room.” I can’t seem to find my own space no matter where I go. 

Don't get me wrong. There's something very nice and cozy about the family bed arrangement, but it's no wonder why I haven't had a decent night sleep in 17 years. No sleep expert has to tell me why.

For more “slice of life” stories, go to www.amorejourney.com/blog. Read an inspiring story today about a NJ woman who is taking the reins in her life and following her passion to offer equine assisted therapy and learning services to returning war veterans, "at risk" youth and others.