We could keep down the number of posts of the forum had a seach by keyword. It drives me crazy to have to read through 150 page of posts to find a topic I know must have been discussed several times. Or when I want to go back to one I have already read.

The forum actually does have a keyword search. It's at the top of the page, towards the right of that navigation bar (the one with the links to the forum list, the FAQ etc.)
If you click on the arrow and then the "Advanced" link, you can narrow your search.

This sticky post in the Virtual Families forum will help you with the Search feature.