Vicci,
I don't have anything to do with the administration of this forum, but I do moderate and administer other forums. The layout here is the default, and cannot be changed. This forum has several additional "smileys" added to the dozen or so that come pre-loaded with the software, but most of our members have enjoyed using them for the past year or so. Many other forums have additional smileys, as well, so this is not unique to the WeatherCat forum.
Maybe with a little more time here you won't notice them or be distracted.
Regards,
Steve