So how does the making your pet nostalgic and another pet storm work?

You can obtain a Storm Potion from the Random Event-Tempest or from the Potion Lottery as for the Nostalgic pets you need to get a Nostalgic Toy Instructions the Kit (Metal or Wood or Plushie Kit) and the Essence of Melody to make the pet and you can make the pet at Vayna's Workshop in Arctic Frost

I have the rod? to summon tempest. Does that help at all?

The rod doesn't guarantee you a Storm Potion. You can get the potion or random accesories/books/plushies from Tempest.

Man well that annoying! Is there any way to increase your chances?

there's a stickied Frequently Asked Questions & Answers thread in this very forum. It answers questions on how to color pets pretty thoroughly.

No, it's pure luck.