how do i keep the date ABOVE the header image?

site url? most probably by changing values of declarations in your theme’s style.css

not a mind reader – theme name or site url pls.

I am not sure where are you adding the code, but add the date tag after this:

<h1><a href="<?php echo get_option('home'); ?>/"><?php bloginfo('name'); ?></a></h1>
			<div class="description"><?php bloginfo('description'); ?>