So if I boot with the modem connected, I will never get any ttyUSBx at all? …cause I have yet to see it. I’m thinking I should see a ttyUSBx in /dev if I’ve done everything as instructed.
One more thing…and maybe this is my problem…maybe not . I haven’t put my sim card in yet. I wanted to make sure I had everything else working before I removed it from my other router and swapped devices on my account. The kids can’t live without their Internet for very long! 
But I would think there should still be a ttyUSBx even without a sim card.
I’m super appreciative for all the help. I never would have been able to get this far on my own!