Aware of surroundings?

I've only LDed once and at the time I didn't know that was what I was doing. But this year I sleep in class, and I've noticed I'm fully aware of what goes on around me in the waking world (i guess that's what it's called), like what people say and do. I am aware that I am asleep and that I should wake up. Also, MANY thoughts run through my head during this time, and sometimes I even dream and I'm still aware. I told my mom I could do this and she thought I was lying... Has anyone ever experienced this, or is this just part of my dream?