How hard could this layout be?

[dainteegurl]

I'm beginning to think that a simple layout re-work'ing is just not going to happen for me without asking for help. I'm trying to get a basic layout like the one shown here (I've attached).

Can an extremely kind person help me figure out what main files I need to make these changes? I've already got the sideboxes the right size and the main layout how it needs to be. However, I do not know how to get my links to show up between my header and the main content. Is this possible? I've just gotten so overwhelmed in what should be a simple task...it's turned into such a nightmare for me. I appreciate anyone's insight. Thanks so much.