Just curious: What does your family think of the time you spend carving? You have made great strides and I imagine you spend a lot of time from your busy life working stone.
Not too happy at times, but then again, everyone has different habits that does not involve anyone else within the family.
Kids have their own schedule , interests and activities as they grow up. Wife is very active in Church and community from her country. I could join either side (kids or wife), but feeling to old for one, and don't liking the gossip and ensuing arguments on the other side. So, stones where originally an opportunity to have an activity on my own schedule, without having to wait for anyone else.
I'm not locking myself away when I work stones, so I'm right here in the midst of them when they do have the wish to interact.
Life is busy at times, yes, but a lot of time is used up to commute. I try to get things ready, so I can use that time to do sanding (just like when walking the dogs). And cutting is mostly done Monday - Tuesday when I'm off, but everyone else is out of the house. When time allows, I do try to restrict myself to maybe an hour for fine-tuning on other days.
Overall, because I dont work metal, my wife does not care about this type of pieces (as long as there is no gold, its not going to be worn), and the kids have settled on a piece each, and don't seem to be interested on anything new. :) :) :)