Have you ever wondered about the offstage world of a professional musician? Every month in this column, bluegrass now will provide a glimpse into the lives of some of your favorite bluegrass stars. To see captions, just move your cursor over the photos!

They are far from home, but Becky and John agree that their luxury coach often seems more like home than their house back in Lafollette, TN. “I've often said I don't know why we bought a house. We're on the road somewhere between 250 and 275 days a year!” says John, in his slow, easy drawl. “That's what it's averaged the last four or five years. In the summertime, we get home long enough to mow the yard, wash the clothes and leave.”

“There's a price to pay for what we do,” says Becky. “It's not nearly as easy as some people think. If it wasn't for the fact that God has called us to do this, I'm not sure that I would.”

As John and Becky talk, their children play nearby. Their daughter, Jakobi, is 3; son Levi is 7 and attends a Christian academy back home. Becky has plenty of empathy for her children. After all, she began traveling and performing with her own parents when she was just 12. She tries to ensure that her kids get plenty of exercise to offset the many hours on the bus. “They have toys under their bunks, and scooters and roller skates. If there's a nursery at the venue, they play while we sing. We'll take them to a playground, or drop by a McDonald's and let them play.”

The teachers at Levi's academy have helped keep him on track. “When we're home, they test and grade him and keep him doing exactly what he needs to do, and he interacts with other children. That gives him a sense of normality.”

“They're real good about sending his work and letting us help him with it. He's in school at least two or three days when we're on the road, three or four hours per day,” John comments.

So far, the kids seem content to go on the road with Mom and Dad. “They'll be at home and they'll cry, 'Is it time to go on the bus yet?'” says Becky. “As long as they're cool with it, I want them to travel with me. If it gets to where they can't, I'll probably second-guess my calling, because I don't want to leave my kids at home.”

Complete with two lounge areas and private bunks, the family's bus was customized to provide privacy and comfort. “Having ten people on the road, it's hard to find time for yourself, but we designed this bus so that would be possible,” says John.

“We definitely have our intense moments of fellowship, but that's normal,” Becky comments. “If we disagree on something, we talk it out. In this ministry, we're all owners! We just discuss our feelings, and majority rules.”

On the Gaither tour, mealtimes are easy enough: a caterer has accompanied the tour, much to the family's delight. When they're on their own, they keep simple snacks on hand, and always stop for lunch and dinner. “The Isaacs family favorite is a Japanese restaurant called Miyabi. Any time we're hungry, that's the first place we go!” says Becky.

In their rare moments at home, John enjoys his classic Mustangs. “I've got a '68 coupe that my dad bought new; I just had it restored. And I bought a '67 Fastback last spring.” He's collected baseball cards since he was about Levi's age, starting his collection with 5,000 cards purchased from an uncle for $3.

“I have a normal life when I'm at home!” says Becky, who likes to shop, go to the beach, and dine with friends. She also designs jewelry; some of her pieces are available through the Isaacs' website.

This month, Becky and John will celebrate their tenth wedding anniversary. How will they celebrate? “We'll be on the road, so I guess we'll be playing and singing!” says John. But he doesn't mind a bit. “There's a lot of people on the road that wish they could have their wife and kids with them. God's really blessed me. I've got more here than I deserve. Wherever my children and my wife are, that's where my home is!”

Visit Becky and John online at www.theisaacs.com.