MOSFET switch with two on/off momentary buttons -- asking for critique
Could it be that what you had in mind was this?



Purpose of components:


Q5 - P-channel MOSFET, high side power switch
SW1 - momentary normally open OFF switch, which drives the gate high.  Since it's connected directly to the gate of 
Q5, it will overpower the ON switch, which is connected through 1k&Omega;.
R32 - pull up, makes sure that the circuit is off when it's not on.
SW2 - momentary normally open ON switch.  When pressed, the gate of Q5 is driven low and Q5 starts to conduct.  Output drives the gate of Q12 high.
Q12 - N-channel MOSFET, keeps the gate of Q5 low when SW2 is released and SW1 not pressed.
R30 - pull down, makes sure that the output is pulled to ground when the circuit is off and load is disconnected.  Because of R30, the gate of Q12 can't float up and turn the circuit on spontaneously.