What did I do wrong?
Easy!
She wanted sympathy, not a summary of her situation and a highlight of all it's positive aspects.
Women don't want to hear practical solutions, they want empathy and sympathy.
Next time run her a hot bath with herbal salts, light candles, give her a nice glass of Pinot Grigio and then sit and listen intently whilst she pours her heart out to you. Then say things like "I can understand how you feel darling" etc.
If none of the above is workable, sit the kids infront of the TV and put the Iggle Piggle DVD on. Then slip out for a pint before she gets home.