A little update:
First, I would like to say that the crow I ate was awesome. Thanks nhluhr for some good advice!
The following day both of my tubes were flat. I went to a third LBS, and this is where I found expert advice.
They quickly discovered that the tubes I had (700x18-23) were too small for my rim and tire.
The first shop gave me 700x23. They insisted 2 mm was negligible. The second shop sold me 3 tubes, (one was popped by the "Professional" and was on the house.) 700x18-23.
He was baffled, as the holes were always on the inside, 1/4 of an inch away from the stem. His advice was to fill at a lower pressure (80 psi) and/or get new tires.
The third shop replaced one tube, and he did it very different from the 2nd LBS dude. I did the second tube the way he did (he made it look so easy). 4 tubes purchased (700X 28)
So, 60 miles later, tubes are in great shape! I went through(popped) 10 tubes during this ordeal. So glad its over, and I can ride!.
Thanks for all of the comments, insight, and advice!