Hey Neil, If you've been with the woman for 13 years, you probably know more about her LL than you give yourself credit for. Think about the woman you knew before you had children.
What type of music does she like? A CD of something that she can relax to would be good. Something the kids make for her? How about a pretty pot and let the girls pick out some flowers for her deck/porch? How about a balloon filled with helium...small things that the kids can give her, rotated with little surprises from you. That might take some of the pressure off.
Can you make cookies or how about rice crispie treats witht the girls? A wind chime? Squirt guns, a bottle of bubbles, a pretty scarf, a bright umbrella, practicle stuff that isn't too personal. Save the pretty lingerie for when you get to step 8 on your scale.
Have faith that you will get there.
Make them little things....
Most of us are about as happy as we make up our minds to be.
