Welcome to DV!

Yes, the excitement when you realize you dreaming is a sure sign of lucid dream. You don't allways have control, but you may get better at it as you gain more experience. Check out some articles in DV Wiki about dream control, induction techniques and other cool stuff.

I'm glad you decided to start writing your dreams in a dream journal. It helps with recall and gives you a chance to read them later and find dreams signs or patterns in dreaming. Please post if you have any questions. Happy dreams