I did the second block today using the templates again. Things went much smoother. I checked and double checked my cutting. I took your advice, Holice, and I pinned some of the more problematic areas on the block and that helped significantly. Now that I have had more practice with the block and templates I can see that it is much easier (in this case) with the template and the dog ears cut off.
My first block was supposed to be 9 1/2" unfinished. It is a bit shy of 10". I believe that is due to my seam allowance. I am using Aurifil this time and I moved my needle over which usually gives me a scant 1/4" seam but with the finer thread it was too much. My second block is the proper size. I think I may take the first block apart and redo it.