O Christmas Tree continued....

I now had to head back to Kmart to return the top portion of the tree. I found a closer, but still not all that close, store online. My mom offered to watch the boys so I could quickly go there and exchange it. Uh right, quickly. Maybe if the people who worked at Kmart had an ounce of common sense.
I brought the tree top to customer service. I explained to the girl what the issue was and she told me I could not return it, there was nothing they could do, they needed the whole tree. She explained that they needed the tree in order to send it back as damaged goods. OK, I get that, but why not just substitute the top and call it done? Nope, can't do that. Fine, I asked to speak to her manager. She got on the intercom and screamed, "Can Louella please come to the front?". It was deafening.
Louella came to the front and I explained the situation to her. Nope, not allowed. I asked for further clarification and she told me that each tree has a different UPC therefore the top of one tree can't just be taken out and replaced.
"So, you're telling me that if you have 15 trees that are identical, they all have different UPC numbers?"
"Yep, they're different by a number or two. You can check for yourself."
"I will."
"So, uh, which tree was it anyway?"
"The 6 and a half food, blue somethingorother Martha Stewart tree, Box # 66."
"Uh, just a minute."
She came back carrying the tree top and offered to do the exchange. I asked her to plug it in to make sure it worked (it did). I thanked her and went on my way; on my way to the Christmas tree aisle where I double checked the UPCs. Of course, as I expected, they were all the same. So, do they typically deal with dumb people who buy these lame excuses? Sheesh

I finished putting up and decorating the tree when the boys were sleeping. I realize that part of the tradition is having the whole family dress the tree but I figured it was best if I did it so they wouldn't get used to touching it. I have to say, it looks beautiful. I love it! When the boys came down from their naps Stellan said, "Oh, a Christmas tree!!". He was so excited, how cute. We didn't have much time to admire it since we had to take my mom to the airport. It was the first thing we did when we got home though. After dinner we went over to the tree and each of us put our letter (J, C, J, S) on the tree. The boys were thrilled. Stellan kept trying to touch the balls, this is going to be a long process teaching him not to touch it. Eventually I told them that everytime they touch it Santa will bring one less toy. Hey, whatever works. ;)